What is TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt)?
A TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is a claim you file on IRCTC to get a refund when you could not travel due to reasons beyond your control — such as a train delay of more than 3 hours, train cancellation, or inability to board due to the train not stopping at your station.
When Can You File a TDR?
| Situation | Refund Eligible | TDR Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Train cancelled by Railways | Full refund | Within 72 hours of scheduled departure |
| Train delayed by 3+ hours at origin | Full refund (if you don't travel) | Within 72 hours of actual departure |
| Train missed due to late-running connecting train | Full refund | Within 72 hours |
| Train did not stop at boarding station | Full refund | Within 72 hours |
| Passenger fell ill before journey | Partial refund (with medical certificate) | Within 3 days of journey date |
How to File TDR on IRCTC
- Log in to irctc.co.in with your account credentials.
- Go to My Account → My Transactions → Booked Ticket History.
- Find the affected ticket and click File TDR.
- Select the reason for the TDR from the dropdown (e.g. "Train Cancelled", "Train Late by More than 3 Hours").
- Upload a supporting document if required (e.g. medical certificate for illness).
- Submit — note down the TDR reference number.
TDR Refund Timeline
TDR claims are reviewed by the Railways Refund Office, which is a manual process. Expect:
- Train cancellation TDR: 60–90 days
- Other TDR claims: 90–120 days
You can track your TDR status in My Account → My Transactions → TDR History.
Common Reasons TDR Claims Are Rejected
- Filed after the 72-hour deadline
- Passenger actually travelled on the ticket
- Reason does not match Railway records (e.g. claiming delay when train ran on time)
- Incomplete or missing supporting documents
Tips to Avoid TDR Rejection
- File within 72 hours — don't wait.
- Take a screenshot of the train delay/cancellation notice from the NTES app or Indian Railways website as proof.
- Select the exact correct reason from the dropdown.
- If filing for illness, attach a medical certificate from a registered doctor.
Faster Alternative: Automatic Refund for Cancelled Trains
When Indian Railways officially cancels a train, IRCTC automatically refunds all e-tickets without requiring a TDR — the refund is credited within 3–5 business days. Only file a TDR if the automatic refund has not been processed after 7 days.