Indian Railways gives passengers a refund safety net called a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) — and you don’t lose your money just because your train was late, you didn’t travel, or something went wrong on the journey.
1️⃣ 💡 What Is a TDR Refund?
A TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is a refund request form you file with IRCTC when your travel plans are disrupted. You can use it if:
Your train is delayed by more than 3 hours and you choose not to travel.
You miss your train due to delay or other reasons.
AC fails or your coach is changed without notice.
The train is diverted or terminates earlier than planned.
Filing a TDR lets you get partial or full refund depending on the situation.
2️⃣ 🕑 When Should You File a TDR?
👉 Time matters! You must file within the correct window:
✔️ Missed train: File within 4 hours of missing the departure.
✔️ Train late >3 hours and you don’t travel: Before the scheduled departure.
✔️ AC failure: Within 20 hours after reaching destination.
✔️ Train diverted or short‑terminated: Up to 72 hours of scheduled departure.
Missing these deadlines can mean no refund — so act quickly.
3️⃣ 📲 How to File TDR on irctc (Step‑by‑Step)
You can file a TDR online on the official irctc website or mobile app:
Login to your irctc account (same one used to book the ticket).
Go to My Account → My Transactions.
Click File TDR next to the relevant PNR.
Select Reason (delay, missed train, AC failure, etc.).
Choose passengers to include in the claim.
Confirm the filing and submit.
Once submitted, you’ll see a confirmation message and a reference number.
4️⃣ 💸 How Much You Can Get Back
Your refund depends on the reason you choose:
✔️ Full refund — often if train is late more than 3 hours and you don’t travel.
✔️ Partial refund — if you traveled part way or circumstances differ.
✔️ Special cases — AC failure, coach change, diversion have specific rules.
IRCTC reviews your TDR and once approved, your money is credited back to the original payment method.
5️⃣ 📍 Important Tips to Remember
📌 Don’t cancel the ticket in your app before filing a TDR — this can block the refund route.
📌 Keep documents handy, like delay certificates from the train staff if needed.
📌 If your TDR claim is rejected, you can raise a RailMadad grievance with details.
📌 Refunds may take a few weeks to appear in your bank or wallet after approval.
✅ Bottom Line
If your train journey didn’t go as planned — whether you missed your train, faced heavy delays, AC issues, or unexpected changes — don’t assume your money is gone. IRCTC’s TDR system lets you claim a refund online if you file within the right time and choose the correct reason.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel