Train Tickets Purchased from Counters Can Now Be Canceled Online – Check Procedure

Indian Railways has introduced a new online service allowing passengers to cancel tickets purchased at railway counters, eliminating the need for physical visits to stations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this initiative on Friday, marking a significant step towards enhancing passenger convenience.

How to Cancel Counter Tickets Online

Passengers who have purchased physical tickets at railway counters can now cancel them via the IRCTC website or by calling 139. However, to receive a refund, passengers must still visit the reservation center and surrender the original ticket, in line with existing railway regulations.

This development follows a query 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 stipulated time as per the 2015 Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules.

Cancellation Rules and Process

Previously, ticket cancellation required passengers to physically visit ticket counters, often resulting in long queues. The new online system simplifies the process, aligning with the government’s broader digitalization drive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling PRS Counter Tickets Online

1. Enter Booking Details – Input PNR number and train number on the IRCTC website.
2. Complete Captcha Verification – Enter the displayed code.
3. Acknowledge Rules – Confirm understanding of cancellation policies.
4. OTP Verification – Receive and enter the OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
5. Review PNR Details – Verify passenger and journey details.
6. Cancel the Ticket – Click ‘Cancel Ticket’ to finalize the process. Refund details will be displayed.
7. Receive Refund SMS – A confirmation message with refund details will be sent to the registered mobile number.

Refund Collection: 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 available if canceled up to 30 minutes before departure.
• Post-departure refunds:
  • Trains departing 18:01 – 06:00: Refunds can be processed within two hours of the next day’s PRS counter opening.
  • Trains departing 06:01 – 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.
• Exceptions: Tickets for delayed or canceled trains cannot be canceled online.

Special Ticket Cancellations

• Privilege/Duty Pass/PTO/Complimentary Pass Tickets: Some can be canceled online, but in-person validation may be required.
• PTO Tickets: Subject to standard cancellation charges. If charges exceed the ticket value, PTO tickets can still be canceled online.

This move by Indian Railways enhances passenger convenience while maintaining an in-person refund collection system. Stay tuned for further updates on digital enhancements in railway services.