india

Updated: Nov 07, 2015 00:59 IST

Railway passengers will find it tougher to get a refund on cancelled tickets in coming days.

So far, passengers were allowed a 50% refund on cancellations of journey two hours before the scheduled train departure.

In an apparent effort to prevent black marketing of train tickets because of frequent cancellations, the Railways have also proposed the levy of a flat rate as cancellation charges.

If reserved tickets for AC-I is presented for cancellation 48 hours before the scheduled departure, a cancellation rate of Rs 240 has been fixed, while these rates are Rs 200 for AC-II and First Class; Rs 180 for AC-III and AC Chair Car; Rs 120 for the Sleeper Class and Rs 60 for the Second Class.

The new rules — which come into effect from November 11 — also provide for a deduction of 25% of the fare amount for cancellations between 48 and 12 hours before the train’s departure and a deduction of 50% of the fare amount for cancellations between 12 and 4 hours before the train’s departure.

Wait-Listed and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets will not be entitled for any refund if such tickets are presented for cancellation 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train. Minus the minimal clerical charges, a full refund on such cancellations had earlier been permissible until three hours after the departure of the train.

“These measures will help cut growing losses in the passenger segment, which mounted to a colossal Rs 29,000 crore last fiscal,” a railway ministry official said.