In view of Corona Virus outbreak, Indian Railways has suspended all types of passenger train services, that is, all Mail/Express trains (including premium trains), passenger trains and suburban trains from 22nd March 2020 upto 24:00 hours/midnight of 14th April, 2020.
Further, ticket refund rules have also been relaxed in order to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing to contain the spread of Coronavirus CoVID -19. This relaxation is applicable only for PRS counter generated tickets and rules for e-tickets remains the same.
Despite wide publicity accorded for the relaxation in Refund rules, there have been repeated queries from passengers. The relaxation in Refund Rules is given in FAQ format for better understanding:
- What is the purpose of this relaxation?
The purpose of this relaxation is to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing to contain the spread of Coronavirus (covid-19).
2. Is this relaxation for a specific period?
Yes, this relaxation is for three months journey period from 21st MARCH-21st JUNE 2020.
3. Does this relaxation apply to all tickets?
No,this relaxation is applicable only for PRS counter generated tickets. For e-tickets the rules remain the same.
4. What is the relaxation given?
For the trains cancelled by Railways for journey period 21st MARCH-21st JUNE 2020, refund across the counter can be taken on submission of ticket upto 3(three) months from the date of journey (Instead of extant rule of three days excluding day of journey).
5. What if during the period (21st MARCH-21st JUNE 2020.) train is not cancelled but the passenger does not want to perform journey?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) can be filed within 3 months from date of journey at the station (Instead of extant rule of 3 days) and submitted to CCO/ CCM Claims office for getting the refund (subject to verification from Train chart) within 60 days of filing of TDR (Instead of extant rule of 10 days).
6. What if a passenger wants to cancel the ticket for journey period 21st MARCH-21st JUNE 2020 through 139?
Passengers who want to cancel their tickets through 139 can get refund across the counter within three months from the date of journey (instead of the extant rule of upto the scheduled departure of the train)
7. What about e-tickets?
All rules for e-tickets remain the same. Passengers need not come to the station for cancellation/refund of ticket. Wherever trains are cancelled by Railways, passengers will automatically get their refund into their bank account from which payment made for ticket purchase and are not required to cancel tickets online.
8. Can we book tickets at the counter for the journey period after 14th April 2020?
All PRS counters in the station premises and outside railway area are closed till midnight of 14th April 2020. But passengers can book advance reservation tickets online using IRCTC portal for journey period after 14th April 2020.