Indian Railways Rule: Full Refund If Train Is Delayed or AC Isn’t Working – Know These Important Guidelines

Updated: 28-06-2025, 03.10 PM

If you’re a frequent train traveler in India, this new update from Indian Railways could bring major relief. Under specific conditions like train delays, route diversions, or malfunctioning AC coaches, passengers can now claim a full refund by filing a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). These guidelines aim to protect travelers’ rights and ensure a smoother journey.

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What Is TDR and When Can You Use It?

TDR, or Ticket Deposit Receipt, is a facility provided by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) that allows passengers to apply for a refund under certain circumstances—even after the scheduled departure of the train.

Here are the main scenarios where you are eligible to file a TDR and get your money back:


1. Train Delayed by Over 3 Hours and You Didn’t Travel

If your train is running more than 3 hours late, and you have not started your journey, you can cancel your ticket and claim a full refund. This rule applies whether the delay is due to technical, weather, or operational issues.


2. AC Not Working in an AC Coach

If the air conditioning is not functioning in your reserved AC coach, you can file a TDR and claim a partial refund for the inconvenience caused.


3. Train Diverted and You Chose Not to Travel

If your train route is diverted and you decide not to travel, you can file a TDR within 72 hours of the train’s scheduled departure time.


4. Train Doesn’t Reach Boarding Station Due to Diversion

In a situation where the train is diverted and misses your boarding station, passengers are also entitled to file a TDR within 72 hours to claim their refund.


How to File TDR on IRCTC

To claim a refund through TDR, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the official IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in

  2. Log in to your IRCTC account.

  3. Navigate to the ‘Booked Ticket History’ section.

  4. Select the relevant ticket and click on the ‘File TDR’ option.

  5. Provide the reason for TDR and submit the request.

  6. IRCTC will verify the claim and process your refund accordingly.


Final Thoughts

Many passengers are unaware of these valuable refund options available through Indian Railways. By staying informed and taking timely action—especially within the 72-hour window—you can protect your travel investment and avoid unnecessary losses.

If you’re traveling soon, bookmark these rules and don’t hesitate to use your rights if things don’t go as planned during your journey.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.

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