How to File a Railway Online Complaint with IRCTC - YatriRestro Guide

Travelling by train in India is not just a mode of transport, it’s a lifeline for millions of people every day. The Indian Railways serves one of the largest networks of passengers in the world, both on a daily commuting basis and in long-distance transportation. Moreover, with such a large system, there are certain problems to expect: delays, dirty coaches, bad catering, problems with refunds and even misconduct of the staff.

And here is where the railway online complaint system comes in. Rather than waiting in long queues in stations or trying to locate the relevant authority, passengers can now raise their issues in a fast and efficient manner through the IRCTC complaint portal, as well as other official sites. Filing a train complaint online ensures your concern reaches the right department and is addressed faster.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about filing a complaint with IRCTC or Indian Railways, from the steps involved to tracking your complaint later.

What’s the Importance of Having a Complaints Process for Indian Railways?

Picture yourself on a long-distance train and the bathroom is unclean. Or you order food that arrives stale. Maybe your ticket booking didn’t process properly, but your money was deducted. In each case, you need a quick way to reach out for help.

The complaints process in Indian Railways ensures:

• Accountability: Lapses within the railway staff and service providers are held accountable.
• Enhanced Service Delivery: The constant feedback will result in cleaner coaches, improved catering, and punctual trains.
• Passenger Safety: Problems, such as harassment, theft, or safety-related problems may be reported immediately.
• Convenience: Submission of an IRCTC complaint through the internet does not require one to go to a station to file it.

An efficient system of railway complaints develops a positive relationship between the passengers and the Indian Railways and also makes sure that the grievances are not ignored.

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What Are the Things You Can Raise in a Railway Online Complaint?

The IRCTC complaint portal and helplines allow passengers to raise concerns about a wide range of issues. Here are some common categories:

1. Ticketing Issues

• Problems with Indian Railway train ticket booking
• Refund delays after cancellation
• Errors in cancel train ticket processing
• Issues with Tatkal ticket new rules bookings

2. Onboard Experience

• Dirty washrooms or unclean coaches
• Non-functional AC or fans
• Poor quality food in pantry cars
• Delay in catering services

3. Staff-Related Complaints

• Misbehavior or misconduct by railway staff
• Harassment or rude behavior
• Ticket checker (TTE) issues, including railway fine rules misuse

4. Safety and Security Issues

• Theft or loss of luggage
• Unwanted behavior by co-passengers
• Safety hazards on platforms or inside trains

5. Other Services

• Delay in trains without proper announcements
• Technical issues on the IRCTC website or app
• Problems with digital payments during bookings

Steps to File a Railway Online Complaint

Online train complaints are easy to make and can be facilitated through different official websites. The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Through the IRCTC Complaint Portal

The IRCTC complaint online portal is one of the most convenient options.

1. Go to the official site of IRCTC.
2. Enter user ID and password.
3. Go to the Complaints and feedback area.
4. Click on the complaint type (ticket, catering, refund, etc).
5. Enter the necessary information with PNR number (where necessary).
6. Submit the complaint.

You will receive a complaint reference number for tracking.

2. Through the Indian Railway Complaint Portal (RailMadad)

The RailMadad portal is an all-in-one Indian Railway complaint online platform.

1. Visit RailMadad.
2. Click on Lodge Complaint.
3. Enter PNR details or journey information.
4. Select complaint type.
5. Provide description with supporting details.
6. Submit a complaint to generate a reference ID.

3. Through IRCTC Helpline Numbers

Sometimes, you may need immediate assistance. You can call:

1. IRCTC Customer Care: 139 (Toll-free and Available 24x7)
2. Catering helpline number: 1800-111-321
3. Security helpline number: 182 (Railway Protection Force)

4. Via IRCTC Mobile App

1. Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
2. Log in and go to the complaint section.
3. Fill in the complaint details and submit.

5. Via Email or Social Media

1. Email: care@irctc.co.in
2. Twitter: Tagging @IRCTCofficial or @RailwaySeva can also get quick responses

How to File a Complaint During a Running Train?

Sometimes, you face problems mid-journey, and waiting until you reach your destination isn’t feasible. In such cases, Indian Railways provides instant complaint options:

1. Call 139 to file complaints in IRCTC.
2. Call 182 in case of a security issue such as theft, harassment or emergency.
3. Send your complaint with details to 139 by SMS.
4. Raise live complaints using the RailMadad app (Android/iOS).
5. Call the onboard TTE or coach attendant and get immediate assistance.

This ensures your problem is addressed while you’re still traveling.

Benefits of Filing a Railway Online Complaint

Why should you bother raising a complaint online instead of letting it go? Here are some benefits:

• Convenience: Train complaint, any time, anywhere.
• Transparency: Use reference numbers in order to monitor the progress of your complaint.
• Quick Response: The complaints are automatically channeled to the respective department.
• Service Enhancement: Your comment helps in improving the facilities of every passenger.
• Record Keeping: Online complaints leave a digital trail as opposed to verbal complaints.

How Can You Track Your Complaint After Filing?

Once you submit an IRCTC complaint online, tracking is simple:

1. Go to the RailMadad portal.
2. Click on Track Complaint.
3. Enter your reference ID or registered mobile number.
4. Check your status of the complaint (Pending, In Progress, Resolved).

You can use the portal to directly escalate your complaint to the Central Government authorities if it is not fully addressed.

Most Common FAQs About Filing a Railway Complaint Online

Q1. What is the complaint number for the IRCTC?

Ans: 139 is the official IRCTC contact number, and it is open around the clock. For security issues, dial 182.

Q2. Is it possible to make a complaint without a PNR number?

Ans: Yes, one can file without PNR general complaints (such as problems at stations). A PNR is needed where the problem is specific to the journey.

Q3. What is the estimated time to solve an IRCTC complaint online?

Ans: The majority of complaints are answered in 7-10 working days, with the way of the issue being different.

Q4. What happens in case I want to get a refund on my train ticket once canceled?

Ans: Complaints related to refunding can be brought up through the IRCTC portal. The average time to get a refund is 5-7 working days.

Q5. How do I complain about wrongful fines charged by a TTE?

Ans: You can file a complaint under the railway fine rules misuse via RailMadad or call 139.

Q6. Can I raise complaints about Tatkal bookings?

Ans: Yes, issues related to Tatkal ticket new rules, failed payments, or cancellations can be filed online.

Final Thoughts

Indian Railways has facilitated easier and more convenient ways in which passengers can bring up and address issues. It can be a problem in booking tickets, or a dirty coach or a security issue, but a railway online complaint is the best way of making sure they are held responsible and that their services are improved.

When you use the IRCTC complaint portal, call the IRCTC helpline, or contact via the RailMadad app, you are not only making your own experience of the travel easier, but you will also make the experience of millions of other passengers better.

Therefore, the next time you encounter an issue in your path, you need not be afraid. Register a train complaint on the internet and let Indian Railways take care of the rest.