IRCTC to Launch No-Cancellation Fee Tickets: Reschedule Train Journeys Without Penalty
IRCTC to introduce no-cancellation fee tickets soon, allowing passengers to reschedule confirmed train journeys by paying only the fare difference — no penalties, no cancellations.
IRCTC’s new no-cancellation fee feature will let passengers change travel dates without penalties, enhancing flexibility for rail travellers.

In a move that is highly beneficial for passengers, Indian Railways will soon provide a ticket option with no cancellation fee, so that tourists can adjust their confirmed train tickets at no extra cost. The feature, which will soon come into being via the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) portal, will give the option of changing the date of travel and paying only the difference in fare, if there is any.
As per the reports, the project is aimed at making the train journey more flexible and hence cheaper, and more convenient, especially for the people who have to deal with unanticipated changes in their travel plans. At present, the passengers suffer heavy losses—very often they have to forfeit the entire fare—if they miss a train or cancel a ticket that is about to be used.
How the new IRCTC rescheduling system will work
Under the new system, passengers will be able to:
- Log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app
- Select their booked ticket
- Choose a new travel date or train, depending on seat availability
- Pay only the difference in ticket fare, without any cancellation charges
This means that instead of canceling tickets and losing money, travellers can simply reschedule their journey in just a few clicks.
Current cancellation rules
At present, cancelling a confirmed ticket can result in deductions between 25% and 50% of the fare, depending on class and timing. If the cancellation is made less than four hours before departure, the passenger receives no refund at all. Even in cases of emergencies, missed trains, or delayed flights, refunds are generally not provided.
Aligning with global travel standards
The new policy brings Indian Railways closer to global ticketing standards. Countries like Japan and the UK offer flexible train passes that allow passengers to modify or board alternative trains without heavy penalties. With this initiative, India aims to introduce similar flexibility to enhance passenger experience.
When will the feature be available?
While the official launch date has not been confirmed, reports suggest that IRCTC’s no-cancellation fee ticket option could go live early next year as part of the Indian Railways’ ongoing digital modernisation drive.
Why it matters
With this project, Indian Railways is completely changing the way it looks at passenger convenience and moving from the old system of penalties to a new one of free choice. For the large number of people who travel by train in India—whether they are daily commuters, tourists, or people traveling long distances—the new policy will definitely eliminate stress and save money.