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Vande Bharat Cancellation Rules: Know the Strict Policy

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 2:59 GMT
      Locale: INDIA

Vande Bharat Trains: Premium Travel, Specific Rules

The Vande Bharat Express trains, renowned for their speed and modern amenities, have a slightly stricter cancellation policy compared to other classes. This reflects the higher ticket prices and greater operational considerations involved in running these high-speed services.

• 48 Hours or More Before Departure: Passengers cancelling tickets 48 hours or more prior to the scheduled departure time are eligible for a full refund, less a standard cancellation charge. This charge covers administrative processing and associated costs. The exact amount of this charge varies depending on the class of travel (Executive or Chair Car).
• 48-60 Hours Before Departure: Cancellations occurring within the 48-60 hour window will result in a deduction of 50% of the ticket fare as a cancellation charge. This represents a significant loss for those who change plans close to the departure time.
• Within 60 Hours of Departure: A crucial change is the complete denial of refunds for cancellations made within the final 60 hours before departure. This is a zero-refund zone and impacts passengers who have left it to the last minute to cancel.
• No-Show Cancellations: A critical point emphasized by Indian Railways is that passengers who fail to board the train and subsequently attempt to cancel the ticket will not be eligible for any refund. This aims to curb instances of booking tickets and not showing up, thereby blocking seats unnecessarily.

Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II Trains: A More Gradual Shift

The cancellation and refund policies for Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II trains follow a similar, but slightly less stringent, structure compared to Vande Bharat trains.

• 48 Hours or More Before Departure: A full refund, minus a cancellation charge, is available for tickets cancelled 48 hours or more before the scheduled departure.
• 48-60 Hours Before Departure: A 25% cancellation charge will be deducted from the ticket fare if the cancellation happens within the 48 to 60-hour window.
• Within 60 Hours of Departure: Just like Vande Bharat trains, no refund is provided for cancellations made within the final 60 hours.
• No-Show Cancellations: The "no-show" cancellation rule also applies to these train classes - no refund will be issued if the passenger misses the train and later attempts to cancel.

Key Considerations and Future Outlook

The revised rules represent a move towards tighter control over ticket booking and cancellation procedures. While the initial reaction might be of inconvenience for some, Indian Railways argues that these changes will reduce losses due to misuse and ultimately benefit the overall rail network. Passengers are strongly encouraged to carefully plan their travel and cancel tickets well in advance whenever possible to minimize financial losses.

Full details of the cancellation charges, which are dependent on the class of travel and the specific time of cancellation, can be found on the official Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in). It is advisable to consult this website for the most up-to-date information and clarification on any specific concerns. Future iterations of these policies could be expected as Indian Railways continues to adapt to changing travel patterns and operational needs.