IRCTC TDR filing is how you ask for a refund when a normal cancellation does not apply, for example when the AC did not work or the train ran very late. TDR stands for Ticket Deposit Receipt. The claim is made on irctc.co.in for tickets booked online, and each reason has its own time limit. Miss the window, and the claim can be rejected, so the deadlines matter most.
Quick answer
- Train late by more than 3 hours and you do not travel: file before the train actually departs.
- AC not working: file within 20 hours of actual arrival at your destination.
- Train diverted and you did not travel: file within 72 hours of scheduled departure.
- Path online: My Account, My Transactions, File TDR.
- The zonal railway reviews the claim, so approval and timing are not guaranteed.
What a TDR is, and when a plain cancellation is enough
If you simply change your mind, cancel the ticket in the normal way and the standard cancellation charges apply. We explain those in our guide to train ticket cancellation charges by class. A TDR is different because the problem is on the railway side or the journey changed in a way you did not choose.
Also note that if a train is cancelled by the railways, the refund is processed automatically to the original payment account, so you usually do not need a TDR.
IRCTC TDR filing: common reasons and time limits
These time limits come from railway refund rules as summarised by DNA India and Free Press Journal. However, rules can be revised, so check the options shown on the IRCTC site for your own ticket.
| Situation | Time limit to file |
|---|---|
| Train late by more than 3 hours, you did not travel | Before the train actually departs |
| AC not working in your coach | Within 20 hours of actual arrival |
| Train diverted, you did not travel | Within 72 hours of scheduled departure |
| Partly travelled | Within 72 hours |
| Travelled in a lower class because a coach was not attached | Within 2 days |
Steps to file a TDR online
- Log in at irctc.co.in.
- Open My Account, then My Transactions, then File TDR.
- Select the PNR for the journey.
- Choose the reason from the list, for example AC not working or route diverted.
- Select the passengers who did not travel or who are affected.
- Click File TDR, read the instructions and confirm.
- Look for the message that says the TDR was successfully filed.
Some claims, such as AC failure, may need a certificate from the train staff to be sent to IRCTC. The on-screen instructions tell you what applies, so read them before you confirm.
What happens after you file
The claim is verified, and the zonal railway decides whether to accept it and how much to refund. Refunds go back to the original payment account. Still, the process can take weeks, and some claims are rejected, so keep your PNR, ticket and any proof of the problem.
Agent bookings and some other ticket types follow different steps. For example, agents cannot file a TDR online, and they must request it by email from their registered address.
Mistakes that cost people their refund
The most common mistake is filing late, because the time limit differs for each reason. Another is picking a reason that does not match what happened. Also remember that waitlisted tickets follow their own rules, which our guide to GNWL, RLWL and RAC explains.
FAQ
How many hours late must a train be for a full refund?
The train must be more than 3 hours late. You also must not travel, and you should file before the train actually departs.
How long do I have to file a TDR for AC failure?
The time limit is 20 hours after the train actually reaches your destination. Keep proof, such as a note from the train staff, if the process asks for it.
Where does the TDR refund go?
For online tickets the refund is credited to the original payment account after the zonal railway approves the claim. The wait varies, so track your bank statement.
