- TDR allows Indian train passengers to claim refunds after delays or service issues occur
- It covers situations like delays over 3 hours, coach changes, missed connections, and diversions
- TDR must be filed via the IRCTC account used for booking within specific deadlines
Train journeys can be disrupted due to several reasons. Delays can stretch into hours, AC units may malfunction, coach configurations could change, or a train might be diverted altogether. In situations like these, passengers in India often end up paying for services they never received. This is where a TDR, or Ticket Deposit Receipt, becomes useful. It is the official system through which passengers can claim refunds in exceptional or service-related situations. Recently, an X post by a passenger who claimed to use this service has received a lot of interest online.
The X user explained that their spouse had booked a 2nd AC ticket on a train that ended up delayed by 7 hours. When they received a message from IRCTC about it being late, they decided to travel to their destination by bus instead of rail. In order to claim a refund, they filed a TDR and chose the reason: "train delayed by more than 3 hours and passenger not travelled." In the now-viral post, the X user revealed that the refund was initiated quickly and praised the timely communication from the Railways. He also urged fellow passengers to take advantage of this facility.
TDR is not a new provision. Here's what you should know about it:
What Is A TDR And Why Does It Matter For Travellers
Unlike a standard cancellation, which works only before the chart is prepared, a TDR allows you to request a refund after disruptions occur or when you couldn't travel due to circumstances beyond your control. Whether your journey was affected by delays, equipment failure, short-termination, diversion, or a missed connection, TDR offers a fair way to recover your fare either fully or partially, depending on the case. For frequent rail users, understanding when and how to file a TDR can save significant money and prevent needless stress.
Also Read: How Changing Confirmed Train Tickets For Free Could Benefit Millions Of Indians
A TDR can be filed only in specific scenarios. Each has its own deadline:
| Reason / Situation | Deadline to File TDR |
|---|---|
| Train cancelled or diverted | Within 72 hours of scheduled departure |
| Train running late by more than 3 hours and you choose not to travel | Before the train's actual departure time from your boarding station |
| Class downgraded (for example, AC to Sleeper) or proper coach not attached | Within 2 days; may require a certificate from the TTE |
| AC not working on an AC ticket | Within 20 hours after actual arrival |
| Passenger did not travel (confirmed / RAC / waitlisted) | Up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure for confirmed tickets; other categories may vary |
| Train diverted or short-terminated (does not reach boarding or destination station) | Usually within 72 hours, depending on the situation |
Note: The TDR needs to be filed through the account that was used to book the ticket. After chart preparation, e-tickets cannot be cancelled normally; TDR is the only option for refunds. Paper ticket holders may need a station-issued TDR and must submit the physical ticket.
How To File A TDR (For e-Tickets on IRCTC)
- Log in to the IRCTC website or app.
- Navigate to "My Account," then go to "My Transactions," and click on "File TDR."
- Select the PNR you want to claim a refund for.
- Pick the correct reason from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the passengers for whom you're filing the claim.
- Submit the request and confirm. A confirmation page will show your TDR reference and status.
- Once approved, the refund is credited to the original payment method.
For i-tickets, surrendering the ticket at the boarding station and sending the physical documents to IRCTC may be necessary.
Important Tips & Practical Advice
- Filing within the correct window is crucial; missed deadlines generally invalidate claims.
- Some cases (like downgrades or equipment failure) require a certificate from the TTE.
- Tatkal tickets have limited refund eligibility, even under TDR.
- Verification takes time, so refunds may not be immediate.
- Keep all travel documents, PNR details, and staff-issued certificates until the refund is processed.
Also Read: From Film Shoots To Birthday Parties, Namo Bharat Trains Are Open For More Than Just Regular Travel
TDR vs Regular Cancellation: The Key Differences
Regular cancellation is meant for voluntary non-travel, whereas TDR is meant for unavoidable disruptions. Regular cancellations incur charges and have strict timing. TDR refunds depend on verification and are allowed even after disruptions occur or after charting, depending on the reason.
In short, regular cancellation covers choices you make, while TDR covers problems you cannot control.
When TDR Is Particularly Useful: Common Scenarios
- You booked an AC class ticket, but the AC was not working for an extended period.
- The train was delayed by over three hours, and you opted not to travel.
- Your train was diverted or short-terminated, preventing completion of your journey.
- You missed the train because a connecting service arrived late.
- You were allotted a lower class than what you paid for.
Delays, diversions and technical issues are not uncommon, especially in peak travel seasons or during monsoon and winter fog. TDR serves as a reliable safety net, ensuring passengers receive due refunds instead of bearing losses for circumstances beyond their control. For anyone who travels by train regularly, understanding TDR is essential.
