Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Indian Railways Updates Cancellation Rules
Indian Railways has made new rules for canceling tickets on special trains like Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II.
If you cancel more than 72 hours before your trip, you lose 25% of your fare.
If you cancel between 72 hours and 8 hours before, you lose 50%.
If you cancel less than 8 hours before, you get no money back.
This is different from other trains, where you can cancel up to 4 hours before and still get some money back.
The railways say this is to make sure everyone who books a seat gets a confirmed spot.
Some passengers might find these rules strict, but the railways think it helps them plan better.
Indian Railways introduced stricter cancellation rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II trains.
No refund if confirmed tickets are cancelled less than 8 hours before departure.
25% cancellation charge if tickets are cancelled more than 72 hours in advance.
50% cancellation charge if tickets are cancelled between 72 hours and 8 hours before departure.
The new rules aim to ensure confirmed berths for all passengers and reduce last-minute cancellations.
- Who
- Indian Railways
- What
- Implemented stricter cancellation rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II trains
- When
- Effective from January 17 and 18, 2026
- Where
- Across India
- Why
- To manage confirmed berths efficiently and reduce last-minute cancellations
Passenger Convenience
Railway Efficiency
Cancellation Policy
Passenger Convenience
Passengers argue that stricter cancellation rules, especially the no-refund policy within 8 hours, are unfair and inconvenient, particularly for last-minute changes.
Railway Efficiency
Railways justify the stricter rules to manage confirmed berths efficiently, ensuring that every passenger has a guaranteed seat and reducing last-minute cancellations.
- Cancellation Charge (More than 72 hours)
- 25% of the fare
- Cancellation Charge (Between 72 and 8 hours)
- 50% of the fare
- Cancellation Charge (Less than 8 hours)
- No refund
- Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
- 2 pairs
- Amrit Bharat II Trains
- 9 pairs
- Effective Date for New Rules
- January 17 and 18, 2026
- Amrit Bharat II Definition
- Trains introduced from or after January 2026
Sources
Indian Railways Amrit Bharat train service expansion: Total count hits 48
Indian Railways managed Mouni Amavasya rush with 244 special trains
244 special trains carried over 4.5 lakh devotees during Mauni Amavasya: Railway Ministry
2 Weekly Amrit Bharat Trains via Vizag
