Indian Railways has introduced new rules under the Reform Express initiative to handle No Show Passengers. These changes aim to stop the misuse of the ticketing system and ensure seats are available for genuine travelers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these reforms to improve the overall booking experience.
What is the No Show Passenger rule and refund policy?
A confirmed ticket can be forfeited if the passenger does not cancel it within the set time. If a ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before the train departs, no refund will be given. This window was previously four hours.
| Cancellation Time | Refund/Penalty |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours before departure | Maximum refund after flat fee |
| Between 72 and 24 hours before departure | 25% penalty |
| Between 24 and 8 hours before departure | 50% deduction of fare |
| Less than 8 hours before departure | No refund |
What are the other new travel rules for passengers?
- Waitlisted (WL) ticket holders are not allowed to enter reserved coaches.
- Physical tickets can now be cancelled at any station counter, not just the starting station.
- Boarding point can be changed up to 30 minutes before the train leaves.
- TTEs will not check tickets or IDs after 10:00 PM once passengers are in their berths.
- A Quiet Hours policy is now in place after 10:00 PM for better rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much refund will I get if I cancel my ticket 12 hours before departure?
If you cancel your confirmed ticket between 24 hours and 8 hours before the scheduled departure, there will be a 50% deduction of the fare.
Can I cancel my physical ticket at any station?
Yes, as per the new reforms, passengers can now cancel physical tickets at any station counter instead of only the originating station.