Train tickets purchased from the counter can now be canceled online, Railway Minister
Train tickets purchased from the counter can now be canceled online, Railway Minister
Indian Railways has launched a new online service allowing passengers to cancel tickets purchased at railway counters, eliminating the need for in-person visits to stations. Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday, this initiative aims to enhance convenience for millions of train travelers nationwide.
How to Cancel Counter Tickets Online Passengers who bought physical tickets at railway counters can now cancel them via the IRCTC website or by calling 139. However, refunds must still be collected in person at the reservation center by surrendering the original ticket, in accordance with railway regulations.
This development follows a query raised by BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni regarding the cancellation process for waitlisted counter tickets. Vaishnaw clarified that waitlisted PRS counter tickets must be canceled at the reservation counter within the time limits specified under the 2015 Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules.
Cancellation Rules and Process Previously, passengers were required to visit ticket counters physically to cancel their train tickets, often leading to long waits. The new online system streamlines the process, aligning with the government’s broader digitalization drive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling PRS Counter Tickets Online
- Enter Booking Details
- Input PNR number and train number on the IRCTC website.
- Complete the Captcha verification.
- Acknowledge Rules
- Confirm understanding of cancellation policies by ticking the acknowledgment box.
- OTP Verification
- Click ‘Submit’ to receive an OTP on the registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP and proceed.
- Review PNR Details
- Verify passenger and journey details before confirming cancellation.
- Cancel the Ticket
- Click ‘Cancel Ticket’ to finalize the process.
- Refund details will be displayed on-screen.
- Receive Refund SMS
- A confirmation message with refund details will be sent to the registered mobile number.
- Passengers must collect refunds from designated PRS counters.
Refund Timelines for Cancelled Tickets
- Confirmed tickets: Cancellations up to 4 hours before departure are eligible for a refund at PRS counters.
- RAC/Waitlisted tickets: Refunds are available if canceled up to 30 minutes before departure.
- Post-departure refunds:
- For trains departing between 18:01 and 06:00, refunds can be processed within the first two hours of the next day’s PRS counter opening.
- For trains departing between 06:01 and 18:00, refunds can be collected up to 4 hours after departure.
Online Cancellation Eligibility
- Fully confirmed PRS tickets can be canceled online up to 4 hours before departure.
- RAC/Waitlisted tickets can be canceled online up to 30 minutes before departure.
- Exemptions: Tickets for delayed or canceled trains cannot be canceled online.
Special Ticket Cancellations
- Privilege/Duty Pass/PTO/Complimentary Pass Tickets: These can be canceled online, though some may require in-person validation.
- PTO Tickets: Issued at 1/3rd fare, subject to standard cancellation charges. If charges exceed ticket value, PTO tickets can still be canceled online.
With this move, Indian Railways takes another step toward digitization, enhancing passenger convenience while maintaining the necessary in-person refund collection system. Stay tuned for further updates on digital enhancements in railway services.
