Can we cancel IRCTC ticket after chart preparation? This is a common question among railway passengers who have booked their tickets in advance. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official ticketing agency for Indian Railways, and it has a well-defined process for ticket cancellation. However, the possibility of cancelling a ticket after chart preparation depends on various factors. In this article, we will explore the circumstances under which you can cancel an IRCTC ticket after chart preparation and the procedure to follow.
The chart preparation is the stage where the final list of passengers is generated for a particular train. This process usually takes place a few days before the scheduled departure date. Once the chart is prepared, the seats are allocated to the passengers, and the tickets become non-refundable. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, and we will discuss them in detail below.
Firstly, if you have booked a tatkal ticket, you can cancel it after chart preparation, but only if the train is fully booked. Tatkal tickets are meant for last-minute bookings, and if the train is fully occupied, you can cancel your ticket and get a full refund. To cancel a tatkal ticket after chart preparation, you need to visit the IRCTC website or mobile app and follow the cancellation process.
Secondly, if you have a confirmed ticket and the train is delayed by more than 4 hours, you are eligible for a refund. In such cases, you can cancel your ticket after chart preparation and get a full refund. To claim the refund, you need to provide proof of the delay, such as a copy of the train’s running status or a message from the railway authorities.
Additionally, if you have a confirmed ticket and are unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances, you can cancel your ticket after chart preparation. However, you will be charged a cancellation fee, which is usually 25% of the ticket price. The cancellation fee is non-refundable, and the remaining balance will be credited to your IRCTC account. You can use this credit for future bookings.
It is important to note that the cancellation of a ticket after chart preparation is subject to the availability of seats. If the train is fully booked, you may not be able to cancel your ticket. In such cases, you can request the railway authorities to cancel your ticket and provide you with a refund. However, this process may take some time, and you may not receive the refund immediately.
In conclusion, while it is generally not possible to cancel an IRCTC ticket after chart preparation, there are certain exceptions. If you have a tatkal ticket, a confirmed ticket with a delay of more than 4 hours, or an unforeseen circumstance that prevents you from traveling, you can cancel your ticket and get a refund. However, it is advisable to check the train’s status and cancellation policy before booking your ticket to avoid any inconvenience.
