Indian Railways has introduced stricter ticket cancellation rules in 2026, especially for premium trains such as the Vande Bharat Sleeper. With millions of passengers travelling daily, understanding ticket cancellation policies has become just as important as booking tickets. The rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper, Rajdhani Express, and Superfast trains differ significantly, and failing to cancel tickets at the right time can result in heavy financial losses.

If you are planning to travel on these trains, knowing the cancellation timeline and applicable charges can help you avoid unnecessary deductions.

Why Ticket Cancellation Rules Matter More Now

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has changed the dynamics of premium rail travel in India. Unlike traditional trains, this service falls under a high-end category with tighter regulations. Indian Railways has revised cancellation policies to minimize last-minute seat wastage, which directly impacts passenger refunds.

As a result, cancelling a ticket too close to departure can make even premium trains like Rajdhani seem more economical compared to Vande Bharat Sleeper.

Vande Bharat Sleeper: Strictest Cancellation Policy

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is classified as a premium service, and its cancellation rules are among the toughest introduced so far.

• If a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 72 hours before departure, 25% of the total fare is deducted, and the remaining amount is refunded.




• If the ticket is cancelled between 72 hours and 8 hours before departure, the deduction increases to 50% of the fare.




• If the ticket is cancelled within 8 hours of the scheduled departure, no refund is provided, and the entire fare is forfeited.

One major difference is that Vande Bharat Sleeper does not offer RAC or waiting list tickets. Every berth is fully confirmed at the time of booking. Because of this, Indian Railways does not allow any relaxation for last-minute cancellations, making timing crucial for passengers.

Rajdhani Express: More Flexible Than Vande Bharat

Rajdhani Express follows the standard cancellation rules applicable to most premium long-distance trains. These rules are comparatively more passenger-friendly.

If a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before departure, a flat cancellation charge is applied depending on the travel class:

• AC First Class / Executive Class: ₹240




• AC Second Tier: ₹200




• AC Third Tier, AC Chair Car, AC 3 Economy: ₹180

For cancellations made between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure, 25% of the total fare is deducted, subject to the minimum flat charge.

If the ticket is cancelled between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure, 50% of the fare is deducted.

No refund is granted if the ticket is cancelled within 4 hours of departure or after chart preparation. In such cases, passengers must file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) online, though refunds are generally not approved for confirmed tickets.

Superfast Express: Similar to Rajdhani Rules

Superfast Express trains follow nearly identical cancellation rules to Rajdhani Express.

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure attract flat charges:

  
  
  
  

  • AC First / Executive Class: ₹240

  
  

  • AC Second Tier: ₹200

  
  

  • AC Third Tier / Chair Car: ₹180

  
  

  • Sleeper Class: ₹120

  
  



• Between 48 and 12 hours, 25% of the fare is deducted.




• Between 12 and 4 hours, 50% of the fare is deducted.




• No refund is available once the chart is prepared or if cancellation is attempted within 4 hours of departure.

RAC, Waiting List, and Special Cases

For RAC or waiting list tickets, refunds are usually processed after deducting clerkage charges, provided the ticket was not used and cancelled within the allowed time.

Passengers should also note:

• Counter tickets must be cancelled at the PRS counter.




• E-tickets can only be cancelled through the IRCTC website or app.




• If a train is cancelled by Indian Railways, passengers are eligible for a full refund.




• Tatkal confirmed tickets generally do not qualify for refunds, except in specific circumstances such as train cancellation.

Final Takeaway for Passengers

The introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper has made cancellation timing more critical than ever. While Rajdhani and Superfast trains still offer some flexibility, Vande Bharat Sleeper penalizes last-minute cancellations heavily. In many cases, cancelling late can result in losing the entire ticket amount.

Passengers are strongly advised to plan their journeys carefully and cancel tickets well in advance if travel plans change. Understanding these rules can help save money and prevent unpleasant surprises at the last moment.