New Delhi: Indian Railways has revised its ticket cancellation and refund rules, introducing stricter timelines that have triggered public discussion and political reactions across the country.
Under the updated policy, passengers will not receive any refund if a confirmed ticket is cancelled within eight hours of the train’s departure. The new rules also extend the window for near full refunds, requiring cancellations to be made at least 72 hours in advance, compared to 48 hours earlier.
Refunds are now structured based on timing. Cancellations made between 72 and 24 hours before departure will incur deductions, while those made within 24 to 8 hours may receive only partial refunds. The stricter rules aim to reduce last minute cancellations and improve seat availability for other passengers.
Officials say the changes are intended to curb misuse of the booking system, including bulk reservations and cancellations by agents, and to ensure that genuine passengers have better access to tickets.
However, the revisions have drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns that the rules could impact passengers facing emergencies or last-minute changes in travel plans. The issue has also sparked political debate, with opposition leaders calling for greater relief measures.
Railway authorities have advised passengers to carefully review the updated rules and plan their bookings accordingly to avoid losses.
