Ever planned a train journey—bags packed, snacks ready, schedule sorted—only to hear your train’s delayed… by hours? It’s frustrating, especially when plans change and you’re stuck wondering, “Can I get my money back?”
If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Good news? Indian Railways actually offers a full refund if your train is late by 3 hours or more. Yep, no deductions. No catch.
Let’s walk through exactly how to claim it—step by step.
The Struggle: Long Delays, Changed Plans & Lost Money
We all love trains—they’re affordable, reliable, and let’s be honest, sometimes the only option. But delays? They throw everything off.
In winter, especially with fog, or during monsoon chaos, trains often run hours behind schedule. And what if you have a connecting bus? A family function? Or you just can’t wait around?
Here’s what you don’t have to do: lose your hard-earned money.
When You’re Eligible for a Full Refund
So when exactly can you cancel and still get 100% of your money back?
Here’s the simple rule:
If your train is delayed by 3 hours or more, and you decide not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund.
But here’s the key:
You must cancel before the train actually departs (even if it’s delayed).
How to Get Your Refund: Step-by-Step Guide to Filing TDR
To get your money back, you’ll need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). Don’t worry—it’s easy.
Here’s how to do it online:
- Go to the IRCTC website.
- Log in using your IRCTC ID and password.
- Click on the “Services” tab and choose “File TDR”.
- Go to “My Transactions” and select your ticket.
- Choose the reason (train delayed by 3+ hours).
- Submit the form.
That’s it! Once submitted, your refund request goes to Indian Railways. In most cases, you’ll see the money in your bank account within a week, though it can take up to 90 days.
Other Ways to Cancel Your Train Ticket
Not using the website? No problem. You can cancel your train ticket and file a refund request through:
- The IRCTC mobile app
- Railway ticket counters
- The Railway Call Centre
Important: Don’t Miss These Conditions
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- The full refund applies only if you cancel before actual departure time.
- If you miss that window, standard cancellation charges apply.
What If You Cancel for Other Reasons?
Sometimes the delay isn’t the issue—you might’ve had a change of plans, or an emergency popped up.
Here’s what happens in those cases:
| When You Cancel | Refund You’ll Get |
|---|---|
| 48+ hours before departure | 50% refund |
| 24–48 hours before departure | 25% refund |
| 12–24 hours before departure | 10% refund |
| Less than 4 hours before departure | No refund |
So if it’s a personal reason, just be aware: some deduction will apply.
FAQs About Indian Railway Train Delay Refunds
Q1. What is TDR in Indian Railways?
TDR stands for Ticket Deposit Receipt. It’s how you request a refund if your train is cancelled, delayed, or you can’t travel for valid reasons.
Q2. Can I still cancel if I bought my ticket at the station?
Yes! Head to the railway ticket counter or call the helpline—they’ll guide you.
Q3. How long does the refund take after filing TDR?
Usually within 7 days, but in rare cases, it may take up to 90 days.
Q4. What if the delay is less than 3 hours?
You can still cancel, but normal cancellation charges apply. No full refund in that case.
Q5. Is this valid for Tatkal or Premium tickets too?
Yes, but only if you follow the same rules—cancel before train departure due to a 3+ hour delay.
Q6. What if the train gets rescheduled after I cancel?
If the train was late by 3+ hours at the time of your cancellation, your refund is still valid.