Indian Railways new refund rules: What happens if you cancel your ticket now?

The Indian Railways has introduced a revised set of rules for the cancellation and refund of confirmed train tickets. The revised rules have set even stricter timelines and higher deductions for refunds as the train’s departure date approaches.

According to the revised rules, if a confirmed train ticket is cancelled within 8 hours of departure, no refund will be made. This is a major change from the earlier rules.

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Revised cancellation charges: What changes

As per the revised policy, the refund amount depends on the number of hours before the ticket is cancelled. The details are as follows:

More than 72 hours before departure: Maximum refund, with a minimum flat cancellation fee charged for each passenger.

Between 72 and 24 hours before departure: 25 percent of the fare deducted, with a minimum charge applying.

Between 24 and 8 hours before departure: 50 percent fare deducted.

Less than 8 hours before departure: No refund.

Simpler refunds for e-tickets, more flexibility for counter tickets

Indian Railways has also simplified the refund policy:

E-tickets: The requirement for a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) has been done away with. Refunds will now be automatic for eligible passengers

PRS counter tickets: The cancellation of tickets can now be done at any railway station, rather than the originating or terminating station only

Push for Aadhaar-based ticket booking system

The latest changes are part of the slew of reforms introduced in 2025 to strengthen ticketing systems.

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From October 1, 2025, the Aadhaar authentication process has become mandatory for booking reserved tickets under the general quota during the first 15 minutes of the booking window on IRCTC platforms.

Also, the Tatkal booking process requires an Aadhaar authentication process, and authorized agents cannot book tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window to curb the practice of misusing the facility.