If your recent train journey turned into a frustrating experience—be it a non-functional AC, train delay, or a coach change—you don’t have to suffer in silence. The Indian Railways, through IRCTC’s TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) facility, offers you the option to claim a refund under such circumstances. But to ensure your claim is successful, you must file the TDR correctly and within the allowed time frame.
🎯 What is TDR and Why is it Important?
A TDR is a formal request for a refund when:
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You didn’t travel,
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The journey was partially completed, or
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Railway services were disrupted or subpar.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to File a TDR on IRCTC Website
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Go to www.irctc.co.in and log in to your account.
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Navigate to My Account > My Transactions > File TDR.
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Select the PNR number for which you want to claim a refund.
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Choose the appropriate reason from the drop-down list.
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Select passengers who did not travel and click on ‘File TDR’.
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Carefully read the instructions on the screen and confirm by clicking ‘Yes’.
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If submitted successfully, a message saying “TDR Successfully Filed” will appear on screen.
🕒 When and Why You Can File a TDR (With Time Limits)
| # | Reason for TDR Filing | Time Limit to File |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Train delayed by 3+ hrs and passenger didn’t travel | Before train’s actual departure from boarding station |
| 2 | Downgrade due to missing coach | Within 2 days (excluding certificate date) |
| 3 | AC failure | Within 20 hrs after train reaches destination |
| 4 | All confirmed passengers didn't travel | Up to 4 hrs before scheduled departure |
| 5 | Route changed, passenger didn’t travel | Within 72 hrs from scheduled departure |
| 6 | Train skipped boarding station | Within 72 hrs from scheduled departure |
| 7 | Train skipped destination station | Within 72 hrs from scheduled departure |
| 8 | Partially confirmed/waiting passengers didn’t travel | Within 72 hrs after train’s arrival |
| 9 | All passengers were waitlisted and didn’t travel | Up to 30 mins before scheduled departure |
| 10 | Downgrade, requesting fare difference refund | Within 2 days (excluding certificate date) |
| 11 | Partial journey completed | Within 72 hrs from scheduled departure |
| 12 | Downgrade with no travel | Within 3 hrs from actual departure |
| 13 | Didn’t travel due to coach damage | Within 3 hrs from actual departure |
| 14 | Train didn’t reach destination (short terminated) | Within 72 hrs from scheduled arrival |
Source: IRCTC official website
⚠️ Important Note
If you’ve booked connecting train journeys separately (as IRCTC doesn’t offer official connecting train bookings), and one of them was disrupted, you won't get a refund for the second journey.
With just a few clicks and the right documentation, you can claim a full refund for issues like train delays, AC failures, or coach downgrades. Filing a TDR promptly is crucial—so don’t miss the window!
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