Step-by-Step Guide to File a TDR in IRCTC – Rules, Time Limits & Refunds

When it comes to long journeys, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is trains. Traveling by train is hassle-free, and we often arrive at our destination without even realizing it. However, sometimes trains are cancelled or delayed for various reasons. This often causes some inconvenience. In such situations, it’s difficult to understand how to get your train ticket money back.

This problem troubles many people. But now there’s no need to worry. Passengers can file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) to get their money back. Many people in our country are unfamiliar with TDR.

So, in this blog, let’s explore what a TDR is, how to file it, and its rules and deadlines.

What is a TDR?

TDR is a process through which train passengers can request a refund from the Railways. Passengers can only do this if they have booked a ticket but have not traveled or have encountered a problem during their journey. For those who have booked tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app and have not traveled, they must file a TDR for that ticket.

Under what circumstances can a TDR be filed?

To understand the circumstances under which a TDR can be filed, below are some common circumstances that explain when a passenger can file a TDR.

1. Train cancellation – You can file a TDR if your train is completely cancelled.
2. If the train is delayed by 3 hours or more and you do not want to travel that late, you can file a TDR.
3. If the AC in an AC coach does not work, you can file a TDR. Whether you have traveled or not.
4. If the train’s route has been changed and you do not want to travel on that new route, you can do this.
5. If the train does not stop at the boarding station.
6. If you have been shifted to a lower class, for example, if you booked AC and had to travel in Sleeper, you can still get a refund through this.
7. If you have not traveled on an RAC or waiting list ticket.

Time Limits for Filing a TDR

If you want to get your money back through a TDR, you must file it within the stipulated timeframe. Each situation has a different timeframe:

• Train delay: A TDR must be filed before the train’s scheduled departure time. Otherwise, getting a refund may be difficult.
• AC failure: File a TDR within 20 hours of the train’s arrival at the destination station.
• Diversion of route or non-stop at the boarding station: In such cases, file within 72 hours (3 days).
• Waiting or RAC ticket: A TDR can be filed up to 30 minutes before chart preparation.
• Train cancellation: In such cases, a refund is automatically processed, however, sometimes the system requires a TDR.

It is very important to keep in mind the deadline, because if you delay, your claim may be rejected.

Process to File a TDR on IRCTC

In this article, we’ll learn how to file a TDR on the IRCTC website or app. The process is quite simple and takes just a few minutes.

Login to your IRCTC account:

To file a TDR, first visit www.irctc.co.in and log in by entering your user ID and password.

Go to the ‘My Account’ section:

After logging in, click “My Account” → “My Transactions” → “File TDR.”

Select your ticket:

Select the ticket (PNR number) for which you want to file a TDR.

Select the TDR reason:

Select the correct reason from the dropdown list, such as train delay, train cancellation, AC failure, route change, etc.

Select passengers:

If there are multiple passengers on the ticket, select the passengers for whom you’re filing the TDR.

Submit:

Click “File TDR,” accept the terms and submit the form.

Receive confirmation:

Once the TDR is filed, a reference number or confirmation message will appear. This number will be used to check the status of your refund.

When and how much will you receive a refund?

After you file a TDR, IRCTC and the Railway Department investigate your case. If your claim is correct, the refund is sent to the same bank account from which the ticket was booked.

• If the train is cancelled: The full fare is refunded.
• If the train is severely delayed (more than 3 hours): In this case, the full fare is refunded, even if the journey is not undertaken.
• If AC is not running: The difference between AC and Non-AC fares is refunded.
• If you travel in a lower class: The difference between the booked and actual class fares is refunded.
• On Tatkal tickets: Refunds are only available in special circumstances (such as train cancellation).
  

Refunds are usually credited to your account within 7 to 60 days, depending on how long the railway investigation takes.

Some important points

• If you can cancel a ticket before chart preparation, there’s no need to file a TDR.
• Keep in mind that tickets cannot be cancelled after chart preparation; in such cases, TDR is the only means.
• If the ticket is booked over the counter (i-Ticket), you must submit an offline TDR through the station master.
• Always provide the correct reason and details; providing incorrect information may result in a refund being rejected.
• Refunds are not available for Tatkal tickets under normal circumstances.
• If you’ve cited AC failure or a service-related reason, you may sometimes need a certificate from the TTE.
• Refunds are only credited to the account from which the ticket was booked, so keep that account active.

The TDR system is an important convenience for passengers. It ensures that if a travel is not completed due to a railway error or inconvenience, the passenger receives a proper refund.

Just make sure you file the TDR on time, select the correct reason, and keep your records safe. By filing the TDR within the timeframe and following the rules, you can easily get a full or partial refund.

Thus, IRCTC’s TDR process is designed in the best interest of passengers—to ensure that everyone receives both the service and security of their journey.