How to File TDR for Cancelled or Late Trains — IRCTC Refund Guide
When your train is cancelled, significantly delayed, or you are unable to travel due to a valid reason, you are entitled to a refund. TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is the formal process to claim this refund for e-tickets.
What is TDR?
TDR stands for Ticket Deposit Receipt. It is a formal refund request mechanism provided by Indian Railways for cases where a passenger is entitled to a refund but the standard online cancellation process does not apply. TDR is filed through IRCTC for e-tickets.
Unlike a regular cancellation (where you cancel before departure and get an instant refund), TDR is filed after the scheduled departure time — for example, when a train is cancelled by Railways, running very late, or when you were unable to board due to circumstances beyond your control.
Important Note
If your train is cancelled by Indian Railways, you do NOT need to file a TDR. The refund is automatically processed to your original payment method. TDR is only needed for specific cases listed below.
When Can You File a TDR?
| Reason | Refund Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train Cancelled by Railways | 100% refund | Auto-refund; no TDR needed for e-tickets |
| Train Running Late by 3+ Hours | Full refund if you choose not to travel | File TDR before chart preparation |
| Passenger Not Travelled (PNT) | Partial refund after deductions | File within 72 hours of departure |
| Train Diverted / Short Terminated | Proportional refund for untravelled portion | File within 72 hours |
| Difference in Fare (Downgraded) | Difference in fare refunded | File within 72 hours |
| Waitlisted Ticket (Counter) | Full refund minus cancellation charge | Counter tickets only; e-tickets auto-cancelled |
How to File TDR on IRCTC — Step by Step
- 1
Log in to IRCTC
Go to irctc.co.in and log in with your username and password.
- 2
Go to "My Transactions"
Click on "My Account" → "My Transactions" → "Booked Ticket History".
- 3
Find Your Ticket
Locate the ticket for which you want to file TDR. Click on the PNR number to open the ticket details.
- 4
Click "File TDR"
You will see a "File TDR" button if the ticket is eligible. Click it.
- 5
Select the Reason
Choose the appropriate reason from the dropdown: Train Cancelled, Train Late by 3+ Hours, Passenger Not Travelled, etc.
- 6
Select Passengers
If the ticket has multiple passengers, select which passengers the TDR is for.
- 7
Submit the TDR
Review the details and click "Submit". You will receive a TDR reference number and a confirmation email.
TDR Time Limits — Act Quickly
TDR Deadlines
- • Train Cancelled: Within 72 hours of scheduled departure
- • Train Late 3+ Hours: Before departure or within 72 hours
- • Passenger Not Travelled: Within 72 hours of scheduled departure
- • Train Diverted/Short Terminated: Within 72 hours
How to Track Your TDR Status
After filing a TDR, you can track its status on IRCTC:
- 1Log in to IRCTC → My Account → My Transactions
- 2Click on "TDR History" or "TDR Filing Status"
- 3Find your TDR by PNR number or filing date
- 4Status will show: Filed, Under Process, Approved, or Rejected
Regular Cancellation vs TDR — Key Differences
Regular Cancellation
- • Done before chart preparation
- • Instant refund (minus cancellation charges)
- • You initiate the cancellation
- • Available for all ticket types
TDR Filing
- • Done after scheduled departure
- • Refund takes 60–90 days
- • Filed when Railways is at fault
- • Only for specific valid reasons
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does TDR refund take?
TDR refunds typically take 60–90 days to process. The refund is credited to the original payment method. IRCTC sends an email notification once the refund is processed.
Can I file TDR for a train that was cancelled by Railways?
If the train is cancelled by Indian Railways, you do not need to file a TDR. The refund is automatically processed to your original payment method within 7–10 working days.
What is the time limit for filing TDR?
For e-tickets, TDR must be filed within 72 hours of the scheduled departure of the train. For counter tickets, the time limit varies by reason — typically within 3 hours to 10 days depending on the case.
Can I file TDR if I missed my train?
No. TDR cannot be filed if you simply missed your train. TDR is only for cases where the train was late, cancelled, or you were unable to board due to a valid reason (like the train not stopping at your station).
What happens if my TDR is rejected?
If your TDR is rejected, you will receive an email from IRCTC explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision by contacting IRCTC customer care or filing a complaint with the Railway Claims Tribunal.
Check Your Train Status
Before filing a TDR, check your train's live status to confirm delays or cancellations.