Indian Railways updated its ticket cancellation and refund rules between April 1 and April 15, 2026. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced these changes to stop ticket hoarding by agents and touts. The goal is to make sure genuine passengers get more seats.
What are the new refund slabs for confirmed tickets?
The refund amount now depends on when you cancel your ticket before the train departs. The rules are as follows:
| Cancellation Time | Refund/Deduction |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours before departure | Maximum refund (Flat cancellation charge) |
| Between 72 and 24 hours before departure | 25% fare deduction |
| Between 24 and 8 hours before departure | 50% fare deduction |
| Less than 8 hours before departure | No refund provided |
What other changes were introduced for passengers?
Apart from refunds, the railways introduced a few more digital reforms to make travel easier. Passengers can now change their boarding point digitally up to 30 minutes before the train leaves. Also, e-ticket holders no longer need to file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) as refunds are now automatic.
How is the government stopping ticket touts?
To stop illegal agents from booking Tatkal tickets, the railways made Aadhaar-based OTP verification mandatory. Additionally, agents are now restricted from accessing Tatkal bookings during the first 30 minutes of the opening window.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I cancel my ticket 10 hours before departure, how much refund will I get?
If you cancel between 24 hours and 8 hours before departure, a 50% deduction of the ticket fare will be applied.
Is it still necessary to file TDR for e-tickets?
No, the requirement for filing a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) for e-tickets has been eliminated, and refunds are now automatic.