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Understanding Indian Railways' Refund Rules: A Comprehensive Guide

Indian Railways has established a set of liberalized and customer-friendly refund rules to help passengers get refunds for unused or partially used tickets. This guide provides detailed information on the various refund scenarios and the process involved.

Refund Rules for Unused Tickets

Unused Tickets Without Reservation

• Time Limit: Within 3 hours after the actual departure of the train, or for tickets valid for the whole day, within 3 hours after the actual departure of the last train of the day.
• Cancellation Charge: ₹10 per passenger as clerkage.

Unused Tickets With Reservation

More Than 24 Hours Before Departure:

• AC First Class/Executive Class: ₹70
• AC 2-Tier/3-Tier/Sleeper Class/First Class/AC Chair Car: ₹60
• Sleeper Class: ₹40
• Second Class: ₹20

Within 24 Hours and Up to 4 Hours Before Departure:

• Cancellation Charge: 25% of the fare paid, subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned above.

Within 4 Hours Before Departure and Up to Specified Hours After Departure:

• Less Than 200 KM: Up to 3 hours after departure.
• 200-500 KM: Up to 6 hours after departure.
• More Than 500 KM: Up to 12 hours after departure.
• Cancellation Charge: 50% of the fare paid, subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned above.

Night Trains (21:00 - 06:00 hours):

• Refunds are admissible within the specified time limits or within 4 hours after the opening of the reservation office, whichever is later.

After the Specified Time Limits:

• No refunds will be granted if the ticket is surrendered for cancellation after the expiry of the specified period.

Special Refund Scenarios

Unused Wait-Listed or RAC Tickets

No Cancellation Charges:

• Up to 200 KM: Within 3 hours after the departure of the train.
• 200-500 KM: Within 6 hours after the departure of the train.
• More Than 500 KM: Within 12 hours after the departure of the train.
• Clerkage Charge: ₹20 per passenger.

Confirmed Reservation for RAC/Wait-Listed Tickets: