Railways Tightens Cancellation Policy for New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
Passengers booking tickets on the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will face stricter cancellation rules. The Indian Railways has notified new norms that make cancelling confirmed tickets more expensive. These regulations differ significantly from the cancellation policies for other train services.
New Cancellation Charges and Time Windows
The Railways will deduct 25% of the ticket fare if a passenger cancels anytime after purchasing a ticket for the Vande Bharat Sleeper train. This charge increases to 50% if cancellation occurs between 72 hours and eight hours before the train's scheduled departure.
There will be no refund at all for tickets cancelled less than eight hours before departure. This change comes because the Railways now prepares reservation charts eight hours before departure instead of the previous four-hour window.
Comparison with Other Train Services
The cancellation rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are much stricter than those for other trains, including the operational Vande Bharat chair-car trains. Officials explain that these norms reduce the time available for cancelling tickets and alter refund amounts.
For other trains, passengers pay flat cancellation rates: Rs 240 for First AC, Rs 200 for Tier-2 AC, Rs 180 for Tier-3 AC, Rs 120 for Sleeper class, and Rs 60 for Second Class if they cancel tickets anytime before 48 hours of departure.
Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure, other trains levy a 25% cancellation charge. The charge increases to 50% for cancellations between 12 hours and four hours before departure. Confirmed tickets on other trains receive no refund if not cancelled or if a Ticket Deposit Receipt is not filed online up to four hours before departure.
Confirmed Tickets Only and Special Quotas
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will issue only confirmed tickets. There will be no provision for Reservation Against Cancellation tickets. This policy aims to streamline the booking process for these premium services.
The Railway Board has also clarified fare structures for these trains. The minimum chargeable distance will be 400 kilometers. Special quotas will apply only for women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and duty pass holders. No other reservation categories will be available on these trains.
These new measures represent a significant shift in how the Railways manages cancellations for its premium sleeper services. Passengers need to plan their travel carefully to avoid financial penalties under the stricter cancellation regime.
