Many travelers who book train tickets through the Indian Railway system are familiar with Tatkal tickets, which are meant for last-minute travel plans. But what happens if you can’t travel after booking a Tatkal ticket? Can you file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) and get a refund?
Let’s explore this question in simple terms, covering the rules, procedures, and conditions for filing a TDR for a Tatkal ticket.
What Is a Tatkal Ticket?
A Tatkal ticket is a type of ticket offered by the Indian Railways for travelers who need to book a seat at the last minute. These tickets open for booking one day before the train departs and are usually in high demand.
Tatkal tickets are more expensive than regular tickets, and they come with stricter cancellation and refund rules.
What Is TDR?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is a facility provided by Indian Railways to claim a refund on tickets when you are unable to travel due to specific reasons.
You can file a TDR when:
- The train is canceled.
- The train is late by more than three hours.
- You are not provided with a seat or berth despite a confirmed ticket.
- Your ticket was canceled by the railway due to an unforeseen event.
TDR is filed online through the IRCTC website or app if you booked the ticket online.
Can We File TDR for Tatkal Tickets?
Yes, you can file a TDR for a Tatkal ticket, but only under specific conditions. The rules for refunds on Tatkal tickets are much stricter compared to normal tickets.
Conditions Where TDR Filing Is Allowed for Tatkal Tickets
You are eligible to file a TDR for a Tatkal ticket if:
Train Is Canceled by Indian Railways
- If the train is completely canceled by the railways, you are eligible for a full refund, even if you booked under Tatkal.
- You can either cancel the ticket directly or file a TDR to get your money back.
Train Is Running Late by More Than Three Hours
- If the train is delayed at your boarding station by more than three hours, and you don’t travel, you can file a TDR for a refund.
- You need to file the TDR before the actual departure of the train.
Train Diverted and You Did Not Travel
- If the train is diverted and you did not use the alternative route, you can file a TDR.
- It applies only if you did not board the train.
No Accommodation Provided
- If you had a confirmed Tatkal ticket, but no seat or berth was given on the train, you can file a TDR for a full refund.
Passenger Has Not Traveled
- If you couldn’t travel due to specific reasons like illness or death, the rules for TDR filing may apply, but proper documentation is needed.
Situations Where Refund Is NOT Allowed on Tatkal Tickets
- If you cancel the Tatkal ticket on your own for personal reasons, you are not eligible for a refund.
- No refund is provided if you cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket, unless under the special conditions mentioned above.
- For partially confirmed Tatkal tickets, refunds are subject to different rules and may apply if the ticket was waitlisted at the time of chart preparation.
How to File TDR for a Tatkal Ticket
Step 1: Log in to IRCTC
- Go to the IRCTC website or IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Log in with your user ID and password.
Step 2: Go to Booked Ticket History
- Click on Booked Ticket History and select the Tatkal ticket for which you want to file TDR.
Step 3: Click on File TDR
- Click the “File TDR” option next to the ticket.
- Select the reason for filing TDR from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Submit Your Request
- Provide necessary details, if required.
- Confirm and submit the TDR request.
Step 5: Track the Status
- After filing, you can track the TDR status under your account.
- Refunds may take up to 90 days, depending on the case.
Refund Amount for TDR on Tatkal Tickets
- If your Tatkal ticket qualifies for a refund under the allowed reasons, you can get a full or partial refund.
- The refund amount depends on the specific reason and approval by Indian Railways.
Important Points to Remember
- Time Frame: File TDR within the specified time limit. Usually, you need to file before the train departs, but in some cases, you may file within 24-72 hours after the scheduled departure.
- Document Proof: For certain reasons (like illness or death), you may need to submit documents as proof.
- IRCTC and PRS Tickets: The process applies to online tickets booked through IRCTC. For counter tickets (PRS), you need to approach the railway reservation counter.
Conclusion
You can file a TDR for a Tatkal ticket, but only under specific situations like train cancellation, long delays, no seat provided, or train diversion. You cannot get a refund if you cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket for personal reasons.
Always check the latest refund rules on the IRCTC website or consult the railway authorities for accurate information before filing a TDR.
Filing a TDR correctly and within the time frame increases the chances of getting your refund processed smoothly.
Also Check:
• Can We Change Boarding Station After Chart Preparation?
• Can We Change Boarding Station in Tatkal Ticket?
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