Indian Railways has updated its ticket cancellation and refund rules under the Reform Express initiative. These changes aim to reduce last-minute cancellations and make tickets more available for genuine passengers. The revised rules were implemented in phases between April 1 and April 15, 2026, changing the time windows for refunds.
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What are the new cancellation refund rules?
The refund amount now depends on when the passenger cancels the ticket before the train departure. The new structure is as follows:
| Time of Cancellation | Refund Deduction |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours before departure | Minimal flat cancellation charge |
| Between 72 and 24 hours before departure | 25% of ticket fare |
| Between 24 and 8 hours before departure | 50% of ticket fare |
| Less than 8 hours before departure | No refund for confirmed tickets |
When should you file a TDR for a refund?
A Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) is needed in specific cases to claim money back. For e-tickets, most refunds are now automatic, but TDR is still required for counter tickets and specific issues.
- Train Delay: If a train is late by more than 3 hours, you can get a full refund if the TDR is filed before the train departs from your station.
- AC Failure: If the AC does not work or you are shifted to a lower class, you can file a TDR for the fare difference with a TTE certificate.
- Train Diverted: If the train is diverted and skips your station, file a TDR within 72 hours of the scheduled time.
Important points about TDR and Charting
Railway authorities have changed the chart preparation time to 9-12 hours before departure to help passengers with waitlisted tickets. While automatic refunds for cancelled e-tickets are fast, TDR processing can take 60 to 90 days. Once approved, the amount usually reaches the bank account within 3 to 7 days.