Indian Railways Revises Ticket Refund Policies

Indian Railways announced major revisions to its ticket cancellation and refund policies on Tuesday, aimed at curbing ticket touting while providing greater flexibility for passengers. The changes, effective in phases from April 1 to April 15, 2026, introduce stricter penalties for late cancellations and allow last-minute adjustments to boarding stations, building on earlier reforms for premium trains.

Under the updated rules, refunds for confirmed tickets will depend on the timing of cancellation. Passengers who cancel more than 72 hours before departure will receive the full fare minus a flat cancellation charge per passenger. Cancellations between 72 and 24 hours prior will incur a 25 percent deduction from the fare, subject to a minimum charge. For bookings cancelled between 24 and eight hours before departure, 50 percent of the fare will be deducted, also subject to the minimum. No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than eight hours before the train's scheduled departure.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that these measures target touts who book excess tickets and cancel unsold ones close to departure to reclaim refunds, thereby blocking availability for...