New Delhi: Most people travelling long distances in India prefer trains, as they offer a smooth and pleasant journey. Due to the comfort they provide, there is often a rush to book tickets. Sometimes, even after a ticket is confirmed, a passenger might miss the train whether due to delays at the platform or other reasons.
Such situations can be troublesome. If you miss your train, will you get a refund? Many people wonder if the money spent on the ticket is lost forever in such cases. However, that is not the case at all.
Indian Railways has a special provision for passengers that allows for a refund of the ticket fare. You simply need to understand a few key points, and the process is hassle-free.
Avoid these mistakes during ticket booking.g
If you miss your train for any reason, there are certain steps you must follow to claim a refund. First, you need to apply for the refund. There is a strict three-hour window for submitting this application; applying after this time will lead to complications.
You are required to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). Applications submitted after the stipulated time will not be accepted, meaning you could lose the entire cost of the ticket. You must follow the official railway procedures to complete the process.
How to file a TDR?
After missing the train, first visit the official IRCTC website and log in.
Next, go to the ‘My Account’ section and click on ‘My Transactions’.
You will then see the TDR option, which you can easily select.
To claim a refund for the specific ticket, enter the PNR and select the ticket.
You will need to select the reason for the refund claim.
After entering all the required details in the form, you can submit the TDR.
Know the railway rules
You should be aware that this railway facility does not apply to all types of tickets. If, for any reason, the ticket for the second train is booked under the ‘Tatkal’ quota, then—in accordance with the rules—no refund will be available. Additionally, there must be an appropriate time gap between the two trains.
Furthermore, there must be a maximum gap of five days between the first train and the connecting train. Also, the benefit of a refund is available only if the ‘Connecting Journey Booking’ option was selected at the time of booking the tickets.
