In view of nation-wide lockdown, all passenger train operations have been suspended since 22nd March, 2020. The lockdown was extended in phases and currently lockdown is in force till 31st August, 2020.
Southern Railway arranged for staggered disbursal of refunds at PRS counters in major railway stations across the zone. In the state of Kerala, PRS counters at major locations in Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram Divisions were opened for refunds from 22nd of May, 2020. PRS counters at various important locations including those at Thiruvananthapuram Central, Thrissur, Ernakulam ,Kollam, Kozhikkode, Mangalore Junction and Palakkad Junction railway stations started functioning for disbursal of refunds.
In view of widespread pandemic, in pursuance of Railway Board’s instructions, PRS counters in Tamil Nadu were opened for refunds from 1st of June, 2020 in a staggered manner. PRS counters at Dr MGR Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tiruchchirappalli Jn, Tanjavur, Kumbakonam, Salem ,Karur, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli,Dindigul and many other important locations started functioning for disbursal of refunds.
Southern Railway has arranged a refund of Rs.64.49 crores on ticket cancellations at PRS counters during June and July, 2020. In June 2020, Rs. 43.77 crores was refunded while Rs.20.72 crores was given away as refund of fares in July, 2020. During this period, a total of 11.97 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets benefiting from the relaxation announced for refund of tickets.
During the months of June and July 2020, in Chennai Division, Rs.27.10 crores has been disbursed by way of refunds. In Madurai Division, refund to the tune of Rs.6.81 crores was disbursed. Rs.7.44 crores and Rs.5.13 crores were disbursed respectively in Salem and Tiruchchirappalli Divisions. In Thiruvananthapuram Division, amount to the tune of 11.13 crores and in Palakkad Division, Rs.6.85 crores were disbursed as refund.
Special care is being taken to ensure that all the laid down safety protocols such as provision of hand sanitizers and social distancing are followed at PRS counters. To avoid overcrowding, staggered disbursal of refunds at various locations is arranged duly following the COVID guidelines laid down by the State Governments and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
For PRS counter tickets, refunds can be availed upto 6 months from the Date of Journey for trains cancelled during the lockdown period.
