How to Get a Refund for Accidently Paying Twice for an IRCTC Train Ticket

Recently, I purchased a train e-ticket through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and inadvertently made two payments for the same ticket. Now you might be wondering, how can I get a refund for the excess amount I paid? This article will guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary steps to secure a refund.

Understanding the Issue

Technically, it is highly unlikely to pay twice for the same train ticket through IRCTC. One of the transactions most likely failed in the first place. IRCTC will refund the amount to your original payment source within 21 working days. However, to ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to take additional steps.

Steps to Get Your Money Back

1. Check Your PNR Number
If your PNR number is the same, IRCTC will process the refund within 7–10 business days. This is a standard procedure to ensure that the booking amount is credited back to your original payment source.

2. Contact IRCTC Customer Support
If your PNR number is different, contact IRCTC by dialing 139. Follow the options provided by the automated system and speak to a customer service representative to address the issue. The representative can assist you in resolving the problem and initiating the refund process.

3. Provide Details to IRCTC
For a smooth refund process, ensure that you have all the necessary details. Provide them with your booking details, including your name, PNR number, and mode of payment. Writing to IRCTC online or through their mobile application can also help expedite the process.

4. Contact Your Bank Notify your bank about the double payment. They can provide you with further guidance and may assist in the refund process. This step is crucial as the bank can track and identify the transactions more effectively.

What If the Excess Amount Hasn't Refunded Yet?

If the refund process takes longer than expected, rest assured that it will eventually be credited back to your account. Most people experience this issue, and some payments can take up to 3 weeks to process. However, in my experience, refunds have been credited the next day or within 21 working days, as mentioned earlier.

What Should I Do if Both Payments Were Successful?

If both payments were successful, and you have received two seats, but only one ticket is required, follow these steps:

1. Cancel One of the Tickets
First, cancel one of the tickets. After canceling the ticket, you should receive a refund. However, a cancellation fee might be deducted as per the IRCTC booking policy.

2. Raise a Concern
While IRCTC is not responsible for a successful transaction, they can still refund the payment received only against unsuccessful transactions. You can raise your concerns to secure a refund for the cancellation fees charged. However, given the booking policy, it is unlikely that the full amount will be refunded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have mistakenly made two payments for the same IRCTC train ticket, do not worry. The amount will be refunded, either through automatic credit to your account or by following the steps mentioned above. To ensure a smooth refund process, it is important to take the necessary steps by checking your PNR number, contacting IRCTC, and informing your bank.

References and Further Reading:

IRCTC FAQs How to Get Refund for Automatic Debit of Double Payment from Bank