A Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) is the method IRCTC uses to process refunds after the chart has been prepared or when the passenger is unable to travel due to valid reasons. While normal cancellation must be done before charting, TDR gives passengers a second chance to claim full or partial refund even after the usual cancellation window closes.
This guide explains exactly when TDR should be filed, the situations in which IRCTC approves refunds, how to file a TDR step-by-step, and what to expect during the refund process.
Before filing TDR, check if you can still cancel normally
Use our Train Ticket Cancellation Charges Calculator to see your refund amount and best cancellation window.
Use Calculator Now →📖 Related Guides: Learn about Complete IRCTC Refund Rules, How to Cancel IRCTC Tickets, Tatkal Refund Rules, RAC vs WL Guide, Train Delay Refund Rules, and Best Credit Cards for IRCTC.
1. What Is TDR and When Is It Used?
TDR is an official request submitted to IRCTC stating that a passenger did not travel and is seeking refund due to a valid reason. TDR is necessary after chart preparation, because online cancellation is no longer allowed.
You should file TDR only in cases where:
- The train is cancelled
- The train is delayed by 3+ hours
- The train is diverted and doesn't stop at your boarding station
- You were not allowed to board by Railway authorities
- Passenger fell sick / medical emergency (with proof)
- AC not working in AC coaches (partial refund)
Important: TDR is not meant for voluntary cancellation or change of plans. IRCTC is strict about this.
2. Valid Reasons for TDR (Full or Partial Refund)
- Train Cancelled: Full refund to all passengers.
- Train Delayed More Than 3 Hours: If you decide not to travel, you are eligible for full refund.
- Train Diverted or Skips Boarding Station: Full refund is issued.
- Passenger Could Not Travel Due to Medical Emergency: Requires proof (doctor letter, hospital document).
- Passenger Denied Travel by Railways: Full refund based on IRCTC rules.
- AC Failure in AC Coach: Partial refund based on difference of fare.
These are the most common scenarios where TDR is approved without difficulty.
3. Reasons TDR Will Be Rejected
IRCTC will reject TDR for the following reasons:
- "Change of travel plan"
- "Incorrect boarding station selection"
- "Reached late and missed train"
- "Tatkal voluntary cancellation"
- "No proof for medical claim"
These are not considered valid grounds for TDR, and IRCTC will deny refund.
4. How to File TDR on IRCTC (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Login
Go to IRCTC website or mobile app and log in.
Step 2 — Open Booked Ticket History
Find your journey under "My Bookings".
Step 3 — Select the Ticket
Click the PNR you want to file TDR for.
Step 4 — Click "File TDR"
This option appears only after charting.
Step 5 — Choose the Reason
Select the correct reason from the dropdown. Accuracy matters.
Step 6 — Submit
Once submitted, your TDR request goes to Indian Railways for verification.
Step 7 — Track Status
Refund approval usually appears in:
- 7–30 days for normal cases
- Up to 60 days for complex cases
Refund goes back to original payment method.
5. What Happens After Filing TDR?
IRCTC forwards your claim to the concerned Railway zone. They verify:
- Train delay logs
- Cancelled route records
- Passenger lists
- Reason validity
If approved: The refund is credited automatically. If rejected: IRCTC shows the rejection reason in your booking history.
6. When NOT to File a TDR
Make sure you understand when TDR is not appropriate:
Do not file TDR if you cancelled ticket before charting, if the ticket is WL and unconfirmed (refund is automatic), if you simply changed plans and didn't want to travel, or if it is a Tatkal ticket cancelled voluntarily. TDR is meant only for genuine, rule-supported situations.
7. Use Calculator for Normal Cancellations (Before TDR Stage)
Most passengers panic and rush to file TDR even when cancellation was still possible. Before charting, you should always cancel normally and calculate your refund using the Train Ticket Cancellation Charges Calculator on the homepage.
The calculator instantly shows: How much you will get back, best time window to cancel, charting time, and deduction breakdown.
This helps avoid unnecessary TDR filings and saves time.
Calculate Your Refund Before Filing TDR
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