Indian Railway is constantly working to improve its service to passengers. From Local trains to Express trains crores of Indians travel with Indian Railways. Thousands of complaints is registered every day, but one of the major complaints was Train Ticket Cancellation Charges for Waiting list tickets. Recently railway has made a big announcement of the cancellation of waiting list tickets.
Railway Announcement Regarding Cancellation of Waiting List Tickets
The issue was highlighted after MP Iqra Choudhary raised cancellation charges being taken for waiting list tickets even if they are canceled by Railways due to no seats. She enquired if the government was aware of this issue. Also, she asked if the government has any plans to waive these charges.
IRCTC Refund rates
If anyone candles his confirmation, waiting list, or RAC tickets he/she is charged a cancellation fee. The amount varies from AC first class to second class and general class. Normally Rs 240 is deducted from AC First Class or Executive Class tickets if cancelled 48 hours before the journey. Rs 200 is charged for the same thing in AC 2 Tire and Rs 180 is charged for AC 3 tire or AC 3 economy. For Second Class tickets, Rs 60 is charged.
Railway Minister’s Reply
After MP Iqra’s inquiry, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw replied with a letter in Lok Sabha. He wrote in his letter that the revenue which is being generated from these cancellation charges is used for maintenance and operational expenses.
Railway Minister also added the waiting list tickets are issued to manage the vacant berths that were canceled from Confirmed or RAC. Most of these tickets were booked in advance period.
What happens to the Revenue?
Many have questions about how the revenue from cancellation charges is utilized. In answer to this question, Vaishaw stated, that the amount is not maintained separately. Revenue generated from every source including cancellation charges are used for working expenses like maintenance and operational costs and capital expenditures like replacement of assets, customer facilities,s and other unremunerative developmental works.
