How to Cancel or Modify a Train Ticket: Step-by-Step Guide

Traveling by train in India is an experience like no other, but sometimes plans change, and you may need to cancel or modify your train ticket. Whether it’s due to a sudden change in plans or an emergency, canceling a train ticket is quite easy. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to cancel train tickets, the various methods available, and what you should know about IRCTC cancellation charges and e-ticket cancellation.

How to Cancel Train Ticket: A Comprehensive Guide

Cancelling a train ticket might sound like a hassle, but thanks to IRCTC’s user-friendly platform, it’s an easy and quick process. You can cancel e-tickets online, through mobile apps, or even at railway counters. Let’s dive into the different methods and their procedures for train ticket cancel.

Methods for Canceling Train Tickets

1. IRCTC Cancellation Online: A Simple Way to Cancel Your Train Ticket

The most convenient way to cancel a train ticket is via the IRCTC website or mobile app. Whether it’s an e-ticket or counter ticket, IRCTC gives you several options to cancel your booking.

Steps to Cancel e-Ticket on IRCTC:

1. Visit IRCTC official website or download IRCTC app and Login your IRCTC account.
2. Navigate to the "Booked Tickets" section.
3. Select the ticket you wish to cancel.
4. Choose the passenger(s) to cancel and initiate the process.
5. Once confirmed, your cancellation will be processed, and the refund will be credited back to the account used for booking.

Important Note: IRCTC provides refunds according to its cancellation charges policy. The cancellation fees for e-tickets depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made before the train's scheduled departure. Know more about Indian Railway Fine rules to understand the applicable charges.

2. Steps to Cancel Counter Tickets Booked at the Station

For counter tickets, the cancellation process is a bit different. You’ll need to visit the railway station where you booked the ticket and proceed with the cancellation at the designated counter.

Steps for Counter Ticket Cancellation:

1. Visit the station where your ticket was issued.
2. Go to the booking counter and provide your ticket along with a valid ID proof.
3. The counter staff will process your request and refund the applicable amount based on the IRCTC cancellation charges.

3. Cancellation via Mobile App: A Convenient Option

If you prefer a quick and convenient method, using a third-party mobile app like Paytm, PhonePe, or the IRCTC mobile app is an ideal choice. These apps allow you to manage your bookings and cancel train tickets without having to visit the station.

How to Cancel Your Ticket via Paytm or Other Apps:

1. Open the app and log in.
2. Navigate to “My Bookings” or "My Orders."
3. Select the train ticket you wish to cancel.
4. Choose the passengers to cancel and confirm the cancellation.

This method is especially helpful for managing bookings on the go.

4. Cancellation via SMS: The Quickest Way for Emergency Changes

If you don’t have access to the internet or a smartphone, you can also cancel your train ticket by sending an SMS. This option is especially useful for those traveling or for quick changes when you’re on the move.

SMS Cancellation Process:

• Send an SMS in the following format: CANCEL <PNR Number> <Train Number>
• Send it to 139, which is the official IRCTC helpline number.

IRCTC Cancellation Charges: What You Need to Know

When you cancel train tickets, the IRCTC cancellation charges depend on when you cancel your ticket. Here’s a breakdown of the charges for e-ticket cancellation:

1. More than 48 hours before departure: A fixed fee is charged based on your travel class:
   • AC First Class/Executive Class: ₹240
   • AC 2 Tier/First Class: ₹200
   • AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy: ₹180
   • Sleeper Class: ₹120
   • Second Class: ₹60
2. Less than 48 hours but more than 12 hours before departure: Cancellation fee is 25% of the fare, subject to the minimum flat rates mentioned above.
3. Less than 12 hours before departure but before chart preparation: Cancellation charges are 50% of the fare.

Note: After the chart preparation is done, train ticket cancel will not be possible online. You’ll need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) online if you want a refund for a canceled ticket after the chart preparation.

What Happens After Chart Preparation?

Once the reservation chart is prepared, your e-ticket cancellation becomes a little more complicated. After chart preparation, train ticket cancel isn’t allowed directly on IRCTC’s website. In such cases, you’ll need to file a TDR to request a refund.

How to File TDR:

1. Log into your IRCTC account and navigate to the “File TDR” section.
2. Provide your ticket details.
3. Submit the TDR request.
4. Once approved, the refund will be processed by the concerned railways and credited to your account.

Key Points to Remember Before Cancelling a Train Ticket

• Tatkal Ticket Cancellation: If you’ve booked a Tatkal ticket, you should know that no refund is allowed for confirmed Tatkal tickets once they are issued. However, Tatkal ticket cancel is possible for waitlisted tickets as per the usual rules. Read our blog on How to Book a Tatkal Ticket for a step-by-step guide on booking Tatkal tickets efficiently.
• Partial Cancellation: If you wish to cancel train tickets for some but not all passengers on a group booking, partial cancellation is allowed. In this case, you’ll get a refund for the canceled passengers, while the rest will stay confirmed.
• Refund Time: Depending on the method you use to cancel train tickets, your refund may take anywhere from a few hours to a few business days.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cancel train tickets efficiently can save you time, money, and stress when your travel plans change. Whether you're using e-ticket cancellation, counter ticket cancellation, or a mobile app, the process is straightforward as long as you are aware of the IRCTC cancellation charges and policies. Always remember to initiate your cancellation early to minimize charges and maximize your refund.

Also Read: How to get a confirmed train ticket?