Indian Railways: New rules for ticket cancellation, refunds and passenger travel effective from 2026
Indian Railways has introduced several changes to its passenger rules to make travel easier and stop ticket black marketing. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new refund policies and boarding rules that will change how passengers book and cancel tickets. These updates focus on safety, passenger comfort, and digital convenience.
What are the new ticket and refund rules
Starting April 2026, passengers will not get any refund if they cancel their ticket within 8 hours of departure. The reservation charts will now be prepared 9 to 18 hours before the train leaves. Counter tickets can now be cancelled at any station across India, and e-ticket holders no longer need to file a TDR for refunds.
| Cancellation Time | Refund Deduction |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours | Flat cancellation charge |
| 72 to 24 hours | 25% of ticket cost |
| 24 to 8 hours | 50% of ticket cost |
| Less than 8 hours | No refund |
Important rules for TTE and berth usage
TTEs are generally not allowed to wake up passengers for ticket checking between 10 PM and 6 AM. However, this does not apply to people who board the train after 10 PM. For middle berth passengers, the berth can only be opened for sleeping between 10 PM and 6 AM; it must be folded during the day for lower berth passengers.
- Women and Minors: Alone women or children without tickets cannot be forced off the train at night for safety reasons.
- Waitlisted Passengers: WL ticket holders are banned from reserved coaches. Fines range from ₹250 for Sleeper to ₹440 for AC coaches.
- Quiet Hours: Using mobile speakers or making loud calls after 10 PM is strictly prohibited in shared coaches.
New digital facilities and luggage limits
Passengers can now change their boarding station digitally up to 30 minutes before the train starts from its origin. The new RailOne app has replaced the UTS app for booking platform and general tickets. Additionally, the advance reservation period is now reduced from 120 days to 60 days to help genuine passengers get seats.
| Class | Luggage Limit |
|---|---|
| First Class AC | 70 kg |
| Second Class AC | 50 kg |
| Sleeper Class | 40 kg |
| Second Class Non-AC | 35 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new rule for canceling tickets?
From April 2026, no refund will be given for cancellations made within 8 hours of departure. Refunds between 24 to 8 hours will incur a 50% deduction.
Can a TTE check tickets at night?
TTEs generally cannot check tickets between 10 PM and 6 AM to allow passengers to rest, except for those who board the train after 10 PM.