The Indian Railways Tatkal system is a savior for last-minute travel, allowing passengers to book tickets a day before departure. However, the unpredictability of Tatkal quota bookings means that many tickets remain on the waiting list. If your Tatkal ticket doesn’t get confirmed or you wish to cancel it, understanding the rules and processes for cancellation is essential.
canceling Tatkal waiting list tickets, including cancellation charges, refund eligibility, and the process for both online and offline bookings.
Key Rules for Cancelling Tatkal Tickets
- Refund Eligibility
Confirmed Tatkal Tickets: If your Tatkal ticket is confirmed, it cannot be canceled, and no refund will be issued.
Waiting List Tatkal Tickets:
If your ticket remains on the waiting list even after the chart is prepared, you are eligible for a refund upon cancellation.
Partial refund may apply if some passengers in the booking are confirmed and others remain on the waiting list.
- Refund Process
For online bookings through IRCTC, the refund is processed automatically upon cancellation.
For counter tickets, you must visit the booking counter to initiate the cancellation and refund process.
Steps to Cancel a Tatkal Waiting List Ticket
For Online Bookings (IRCTC Website or App)
Log in to IRCTC Account:
Use your credentials to access the IRCTC platform.
Navigate to Ticket Booking History:
Go to the “Booked Tickets” section to view all your booked tickets.
Select the Ticket:
Choose the waiting list Tatkal ticket you wish to cancel.
Initiate Cancellation:
Click on the “Cancel Ticket” option. The system will display the cancellation charges and refund amount.
Confirm Cancellation:
Review the details and confirm the cancellation. A refund (if applicable) will be credited to your payment method within 3-7 working days.
For Counter Bookings
Visit the Booking Counter:
Carry the ticket printout and a valid ID proof.
Request Cancellation:
Fill out the cancellation form and submit it along with your ticket.
Receive Refund:
The refund (if applicable) will be processed immediately in cash or credited to your bank account, depending on your payment method.
Cancellation Charges for Tatkal Tickets
Cancellation charges for Tatkal waiting list tickets depend on the timing of cancellation:
Before Chart Preparation: A nominal clerkage fee (₹60 per passenger) is deducted, and the rest of the amount is refunded.
After Chart Preparation: If the ticket remains in the waiting list or RAC status, a full refund (minus the clerkage fee) is issued.
Important Points to Note
Partial Confirmations:
If your Tatkal booking includes multiple passengers and some tickets are confirmed while others are on the waiting list, only the waitlisted tickets are eligible for cancellation and refund. The confirmed tickets remain valid for travel.
E-Tickets vs Counter Tickets:
For e-tickets, the cancellation must be done online through IRCTC.
For counter tickets, cancellations can only be processed at railway reservation counters.
Refund Processing Time:
Online refunds are generally faster, processed within 3-7 working days.
Refunds for counter tickets may take longer, depending on the bank’s processing time.
Automatic Refunds:
If a Tatkal waiting list e-ticket is not confirmed by the time the chart is prepared, it is automatically canceled, and the refund is processed without requiring manual cancellation.
Common Scenarios and FAQs
- What happens if my Tatkal waiting ticket is not confirmed by the chart preparation?
If the ticket remains waitlisted after chart preparation, it is automatically canceled for e-tickets. Refunds are processed as per IRCTC rules.
- Can I travel with a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
No, passengers are not allowed to travel on Tatkal waiting list tickets. However, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets are valid for travel.
- Are there any charges for canceling a Tatkal waiting ticket?
Yes, a clerkage fee of ₹60 per passenger is deducted for cancellations. The rest of the amount is refunded.
Canceling a Tatkal waiting list ticket is a straightforward process, but understanding the rules can save you time and hassle. Always keep an eye on the ticket status as the journey date approaches and initiate cancellations promptly if necessary. Whether you book online or at the counter, ensure that you follow the guidelines to secure a refund for unused tickets. Proper planning and timely cancellations can make your travel experience smoother and more efficient.
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