Indian Railways provides a refund facility for passengers who miss their connecting train because the first train arrived late. This rule has been in effect since April 1, 2019. It helps passengers avoid financial loss when railway delays disrupt their travel plans.
What are the conditions for PNR linking?
To get a refund, passengers must link their PNRs using the ‘Connecting Journey’ option on the IRCTC website or app during booking. The following conditions apply for linking:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Station | First train destination must be the second train’s starting station |
| Passenger Details | Name, age, and gender must be identical in both PNRs |
| Ticket Status | Only confirmed or partially confirmed tickets can be linked |
| Time Gap | Minimum 1 minute and maximum 5 days between trains |
How to file a TDR for refund?
Passengers need to file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) to claim their money. For e-tickets, the TDR must be filed online via the IRCTC website within three hours of the first train’s actual arrival. For counter tickets, the ticket should be surrendered at the counter with a TDR form within two hours of the second train’s scheduled departure.
To file online, log in to IRCTC, go to ‘My Account’ > ‘My Transactions’ > ‘File TDR’. Select the PNR and choose the reason as “Connecting train missed due to delay of main train” to submit the request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the time limit to file a TDR for e-tickets?
For e-tickets, the passenger must file the TDR online through the IRCTC website within three hours of the first train’s actual arrival at the station.
Can waitlisted tickets be linked for connecting journey refund?
No, only confirmed or partially confirmed tickets can be linked for this facility to be applicable.