India's Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav explains ticket cancellation revenue and new refund rules for Vande Bharat and Am

Indian Railways does not keep zone‑wise records of the revenue earned from ticket cancellations or the forfeiture of waiting‑list tickets, as confirmed by Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Consequently, the government cannot provide figures on how much each railway zone earns from such fees.

Vaishnav detailed the refund policy for regular trains: a fixed cancellation fee is deducted if a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before departure (Rs 240 for First‑AC/Executive, Rs 200 for Second‑AC, Rs 180 for Third‑AC/Chair Car, Rs 120 for Sleeper, Rs 60 for Second‑Class). Cancellations made 48–12 hours before departure lose 25 % of the fare, those made 12–4 hours before lose 50 % of the fare, and no refund is given if the cancellation is within 4 hours of departure. Waiting‑list or RAC tickets can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before departure for a flat Rs 60 fee.

For the premium Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and Amrit Bharat Express, separate slabs apply: a 25 % fare deduction if cancelled at least 72 hours before the train runs, a 50 % deduction if cancelled between 72 hours and 8 hours, and no refund if cancelled within 8 hours. Vaishnav said the distinct rules aim to curb speculative or fraudulent bookings on these newer services.