Most people in the country first book train tickets for travel and then consider other options only when needed. But many times it happens that due to some reason the train is missed, and people assume that now their ticket is useless.
Does this really happen? If you miss the train, can you travel in another train on the same ticket? Or will you have to take a new ticket? Many people do not know about this. Come, let’s know what the rules of Indian Railways say.
What to do if I miss the train?
Missing a train can become a big problem for passengers. In such a situation, the first question is whether the ticket will be refunded (Train Ticket Refund Rules)? And the second is whether the same ticket can be used for travelling in another train? According to the railway rules, it depends on which ticket you have.
Can I travel in another train on a general ticket?
If you have a general ticket, you can travel in any other train of the same category without any problem. However, if you want to travel in a train of another category, you may have to pay a fine.
General tickets are not valid in premium trains like Mail-Express, Superfast, Rajdhani, Vande Bharat. If you travel on a general ticket in such trains, the TTE can consider you as a passenger without ticket and can charge a fine.
What if I have a reservation ticket?
If you have a reservation ticket and you miss your train, you cannot travel in another train on that ticket. If you are caught doing this, the TTE can consider you as a ticketless traveller and a fine will be charged as per the rules.
At the same time, if you do not pay the fine, then you may face legal action and even jail time. In such a situation, the right way is to apply for a refund (TDR Filing) and get a new ticket for travelling in another train.
How to file TDR (TDR Filing Rules):
If you miss the train, you will have to file TDR to get a refund for your reservation ticket. If the ticket was purchased from the counter, you will have to file TDR offline. You will have to go to the counter at the railway station and fill out the TDR form and submit it.
Process of filing TDR online (TDR Filing Online)
- If the ticket is E-Ticket, then you will have to log in to the IRCTC website or app.
- Click on the “Train” option and select the “File TDR” option.
- Then select your ticket, choose the reason and file TDR.
- The refund amount will be returned to your bank account or wallet within a maximum of 60 days.
What are the rules for ticket cancellation and refund?
- According to railway rules, no refund is given on cancellation of Tatkal ticket.
- If you cancel your train ticket 48 hours to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, 25% of the amount will be deducted.
- If you cancel your ticket 12-4 hours before the departure, 50% of the amount will be deducted.
- Waiting List and RAC tickets can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before the train departure, after that no refund will be given.
In such a situation, if you miss your train, do not panic. If you have a general ticket, you can travel in another train, but in case of reservation ticket, the best option is to apply for refund (TDR). Before traveling in another train, make sure to get a new ticket, otherwise you may have to pay a heavy fine.
