Indian Railways: New rules for refund if you miss a connecting train due to delay
Many passengers face stress when their first train runs late, causing them to miss their next connecting train. Indian Railways has a specific policy to help such passengers get a refund for the untraveled part of their journey. To get the money back, passengers must follow a set process and meet certain conditions.
What are the conditions for a connecting train refund?
- The first train’s destination must be the same as the second train’s starting station.
- Passenger names and age must be exactly the same on both PNRs.
- The gap between the two journeys should not be more than five days.
- The boarding and destination stations must match the reserved tickets.
How to apply for the refund and TDR process?
Passengers must surrender their ticket within three hours of the first train’s actual arrival at the junction. For e-tickets, a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) must be filed online via the IRCTC website within the same three-hour window. The reason for the TDR should clearly state that the train was delayed by more than three hours or caused a missed connection. Since April 1, 2019, passengers can also link two PNRs for connecting travel to make this process easier.
New general cancellation rules effective from April 2026
| Cancellation Timing | Refund/Deduction Detail |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 hours before departure | No refund for confirmed tickets |
| More than 72 hours before departure | Maximum refund after flat fee |
| 72 to 24 hours before departure | 25% fare deduction |
| 24 to 8 hours before departure | 50% fare deduction |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much time do I have to file a TDR for a missed connecting train?
You must file the TDR or surrender your ticket within three hours of the actual arrival of the first delayed train at the junction station.
Can I cancel a counter ticket from any station now?
Yes, as per the new rules effective from April 2026, passengers can now cancel PRS counter tickets from any railway station across India.