How Long Does It Take to Refund a Tatkal Waiting Cancelled Ticket?
Overview of the Refund Process
For Tatkal tickets in India, the refund process for a cancelled ticket typically takes about 7 to 10 working days. However, the actual time can vary based on the mode of booking, such as online or through a railway counter. Understanding the specifics can help you manage your expectations effectively.
Refund Timeframes Based on Booking Method
Online Bookings: If you booked your ticket online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app, the refund is usually processed to your original payment method within the specified timeframe. This process generally takes around 7 to 10 working days.
Counter Bookings: For tickets booked at a railway counter, you may need to visit the counter for the refund. The processing time can vary depending on the railway station's operational speed. It could take longer than the 7 to 10 working days mentioned above.
It's important to note that service charges and other fees may be deducted from the refund amount. Always check the official Indian Railways website or contact customer service for the most accurate and updated information.
Various Refund Scenarios and Their Processing Time
The refund process can be influenced by factors such as the payment method and the bank involved:
1. Internet Banking Transactions
Refunds for tickets booked through internet banking transactions are typically processed within 2 to 3 working days. This efficiency can be attributed to the quick processing capabilities of internet banking systems.
2. Debit Card Transactions
Transactions processed through a debit card usually take up to 5 working days for the refund. It's due to the time needed for the payment system to verify and process the transaction.
3. Specific Wallets like Mobikwik
Refunds through specific wallets like Mobikwik are generally completed within 24 to 48 hours after the deduction of clerkage charges. This is relatively quick compared to other payment methods.
IRCTC Specific Refund Time
IRCTC indicates that the maximum refund time is 3 to 5 working days. If the bank is open, the process should be faster. However, if the bank is closed, it may take a longer time to complete the refund.
Once you cancel the ticket online through IRCTC, you will typically receive an SMS detailing the refund amount and the time frame. The amount will be credited to your respective account within 3 working days, provided the bank is operational.
In cases where the ticket is not confirmed even after the chart is prepared, the refund will be processed in 3 to 5 working days. If you haven't received the refund within this period, you can send an email to care@
The refund process mainly depends on the bank from which the payment was made, usually taking 2 to 3 working days. In some cases, the time may extend due to server issues or delays in the bank's processing system.
For booking done through an SBI gateway, the refund is typically completed within 2 working days. However, if the ticket is booked with other banks, it may take up to 3 to 5 working days.
In conclusion, while the standard refund time for Tatkal waiting cancelled tickets is 7 to 10 working days, it can vary depending on the method of booking and the payment channel. Always check with IRCTC or the Indian Railways website for the most current and accurate information.