Train Delay Refund Rules (2026)

Train delays are extremely common in India, especially during monsoons, winters, and congestion seasons. What most passengers don't know is that IRCTC provides a full refund if your train is delayed by more than 3 hours at your origin station and you decide not to travel. This rule applies to Confirmed, RAC, WL (that later confirms), and even Tatkal bookings.

This guide explains exactly when you are eligible for a full refund, how to claim it, whether you need to file a TDR, and how IRCTC processes delayed-train refunds in 2026.

1. When You Get Full Refund for Train Delay

You are eligible for 100% refund (base fare + Tatkal charges + reservation charges) if the train is delayed by 3 hours or more at your boarding station and you choose not to undertake the journey.

This applies to confirmed tickets, RAC tickets, Tatkal & Premium Tatkal tickets, and partially confirmed tickets.

Important: Even for Tatkal (normally non-refundable), the 3-hour delay rule overrides Tatkal restrictions, giving you a full refund. However, you must not board the train — boarding the train means no refund, even if delayed.

2. How to Claim Refund When Train Is Delayed

You have two valid options depending on whether charting is done.

Before charting: You can simply cancel online. Refund = 100%

After charting: You must file a TDR. Select "Train Late More Than 3 Hours and Passenger Not Willing to Travel". TDR must be filed before actual train departure or within reasonable time after scheduled departure. IRCTC forwards TDR to Railways for approval.

3. Common Situations & Whether You Get Refund

• Train is delayed 3+ hours at your boarding station → FULL refund
• Train delayed somewhere en route (not at your boarding station) → No refund (Rule applies only at origin station for you)
• You boarded the train despite delay → No refund
• You missed the train because of delay confusion → No refund (unless train itself is 3+ hours late at origin station)
• Connecting trains missed due to delay → No refund from IRCTC (not covered)

This rule is simple but strict, so verifying your train status before travel is important.

4. How Long Does Refund Take?

Refund speed depends on payment mode:

• UPI / Net Banking → 3–5 days
• Credit/Debit Cards → 3–7 days
• iPay IRCTC Wallet → instant

Travel agent bookings: agent receives refund first, then issues to passenger. TDR-based refunds: may take up to 30–60 days.

5. Tatkal Refund for Delayed Trains

Normally Tatkal = no refund on cancellation.

But for a 3+ hour delay: Full Tatkal fare + charges are refunded with no deductions. This applies even after charting (through TDR). This is one of the biggest money-saving exceptions in IRCTC rules.

6. If You Want to Cancel for Other Reasons

The 3-hour delay rule applies only when IRCTC confirms the delay.

If you want to cancel for personal reasons (not delay-related), normal refund rules apply based on timing. For that, use our Train Cancellation Charges Calculator to instantly know:

It shows refund amount, deduction, best cancellation window, and chart preparation time.

This prevents unnecessary loss.

7. Quick Summary Table