What Is TDR and When Do You Need It?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is the formal process for claiming a refund on a train ticket when the normal online cancellation option is no longer available. You need to file a TDR when:
- The train was cancelled by Indian Railways
- The train was delayed by 3 or more hours from the origin station
- You could not board due to a Railways-caused issue (no accommodation in booked class, train missed due to Railways fault etc.)
- You travelled only part of the journey (partial journey refund)
- Chart has been prepared and you want a refund on your confirmed ticket (only TDR eligible reasons)
TDR Deadlines — File Within These Windows
| Reason | TDR Deadline |
|---|---|
| Train cancelled by Railways | Within 72 hours of original departure |
| Train delayed 3+ hours | Within 72 hours of original scheduled departure |
| Partial journey (e-ticket) | Within 30 days of journey date |
| No accommodation/class problem | Within 72 hours with TTE certificate |
How to File TDR on IRCTC — Step by Step
- Log in to irctc.co.in with your username and password
- Click on "My Account" in the top right
- Select "File TDR" from the dropdown menu
- A list of recent bookings eligible for TDR will appear — select the relevant PNR
- Choose the passengers for whom you are filing (can be all or selected)
- Select the reason for TDR from the dropdown (e.g., "Train cancelled", "Train late more than 3 hours")
- Review and submit the TDR — you will get a TDR reference number
How to Track TDR Status
- Log in to IRCTC → "My Account" → "My TDRs"
- Find your TDR by reference number or PNR
- Status shows as "Pending", "Under Process", "Approved", or "Rejected"
- If approved, refund goes to the original payment method within 60 days
If TDR Is Rejected
If your TDR is rejected, you can appeal to the Railway Claims Tribunal or escalate through IRCTC customer care. Common rejection reasons: filed after deadline, invalid reason, or insufficient documentation. If train was truly cancelled or delayed, rejections are rare but can be appealed.
Check PNR and Train Status
Before filing TDR, confirm train delay status using live train running status. Track your PNR for any last-minute changes at PNR Alert.