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Indian Railways Plans to Waive Off Clerical Cancellation Charges Amid Digital Shift

In a move that could bring significant relief to millions of passengers, Indian Railways is reportedly considering scrapping or significantly reducing the clerical cancellation charges levied on train tickets. This step is part of the Railways' broader plan to improve passenger convenience and modernize its ticketing and reservation systems.

What Is the Clerical Cancellation Charge?

Currently, passengers who cancel their train tickets—whether confirmed or on the waiting list—do not receive a full refund. Indian Railways deducts a fixed amount under the heading of clerical charges, which varies based on the ticket category. This often results in a frustrating experience for travelers, as they neither get a confirmed seat nor a full refund.

For instance, if a ticket remains on the waiting list and is canceled, the Railways charges between ₹30 to ₹60 as a clerical fee. While this might seem like a nominal amount, it becomes a matter of concern for regular and budget-conscious passengers. According to a recent Zee Business report, the increasing shift towards online ticket booking has reduced operational costs for the Railways, prompting authorities to reconsider this extra charge.

Why Is Indian Railways Reconsidering the Charge?

With a significant majority of tickets now being booked online, the cost of processing and administrative overheads has dropped. This digital shift allows Indian Railways to think about customer-centric reforms. Currently, ₹60 is charged for higher-class reservations as clerical fees, and ₹30 for second-class reservations. Removing or reducing this charge could improve the passenger experience and encourage more bookings through digital platforms.

Upcoming Changes in Reservation Chart Timings

In another progressive step, Indian Railways is planning to prepare reservation charts eight hours before train departure, instead of the current practice of releasing them four hours prior. This change aims to reduce uncertainty, especially for passengers traveling from remote areas or those with unconfirmed tickets.

The proposed change will allow travelers more time to plan their journeys. It will also reduce last-minute confusion at railway stations, improving the overall travel experience. The Railway Board has already floated this proposal and is seeking feedback for final implementation.

Boosting Security with Aadhaar Verification

To further enhance transparency and curb ticketing fraud, Indian Railways is also looking to introduce OTP-based Aadhaar verification for ticket bookings. This feature, expected to roll out by the end of July, will require users to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar or another government-issued ID. The move is aimed at stopping ticket scalping and ensuring that tickets are issued only to genuine passengers.

By integrating such technologies, Indian Railways is working towards creating a more secure and efficient travel ecosystem. Aadhaar-based verification will also help in keeping track of frequent travelers, offering potential benefits in the long run such as personalized services and loyalty schemes.

Key Takeaways:

• Indian Railways may soon waive or reduce the ₹30–₹60 clerical charge on ticket cancellations.

• The cost-saving due to digital ticketing is a major reason behind this reconsideration.

• Reservation charts could soon be released 8 hours before departure, improving planning time for travelers.

• Introduction of OTP-based Aadhaar verification is expected to begin by end of July 2025, which will help in curbing ticketing fraud.

If these reforms are implemented, passengers can expect a more seamless and traveler-friendly experience from Indian Railways. From reducing financial burdens to introducing tech-enabled verification, these initiatives mark a significant shift toward modernization and efficiency.