Can I cancel 1 ticket for 2 tickets in IRCTC?

Navigating IRCTC Cancellations: Can You Cancel Just One Ticket From a Pair?

Planning train travel in India often involves booking tickets well in advance through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Sometimes, you might book multiple tickets together, perhaps for yourself and a family member or friend. But what happens if one person needs to cancel their trip, leaving you with the question: Can you cancel just one ticket from a pair (or group) booked under the same PNR on IRCTC?

The good news is, yes, you can cancel a single ticket from a group booking on IRCTC. However, there are a few crucial details to understand, particularly concerning the refund policy.

The Mixed-Status Scenario: Confirmed Seats and Waiting Lists

The most common scenario where this question arises is when you’ve booked a group ticket, and some passengers have confirmed seats while others are on the waiting list or are partially confirmed (RAC). In these situations, IRCTC has a specific policy designed to protect confirmed passengers.

The Refund Policy for Confirmed Passengers in Mixed-Status Bookings

If you, as a passenger with a confirmed ticket in a group booking, need to cancel your ticket while others in the same booking are waiting, you are entitled to a refund. The key takeaway is that your confirmed status allows you to proceed with the cancellation and receive your money back.

Cancellation Fee Considerations

While you’re entitled to a refund, keep in mind that a cancellation fee will be deducted. The IRCTC policy dictates a cancellation charge of ₹20 plus GST per passenger for this type of cancellation. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the refund and managing the seat inventory.

Understanding the Process

The process for cancelling a single ticket from a group booking is straightforward through the IRCTC website or app:

1. Login to your IRCTC account.
2. Navigate to the “Booked Tickets History” section.
3. Select the PNR for the booking you want to modify.
4. Choose the passenger whose ticket you wish to cancel.
5. Follow the prompts to initiate the cancellation process.

The system will automatically calculate the refund amount, factoring in the cancellation fee. You’ll then receive the refunded amount in the same account used for booking the ticket.

Important Considerations

• Timing is Crucial: Cancellation charges increase as you get closer to the train’s departure time. It’s always best to cancel as early as possible to minimize deductions.
• Impact on Other Passengers: Be aware that cancelling a confirmed ticket may affect the confirmation chances of passengers on the waiting list in the same booking. If a sufficient number of confirmed tickets are cancelled, those on the waiting list may get their tickets confirmed.
• Check Updated Policies: IRCTC policies are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the latest rules and regulations on the official IRCTC website before initiating a cancellation.

In Conclusion

Cancelling a single ticket from a group booking on IRCTC is possible, especially if you have a confirmed seat and others are waiting. While a cancellation fee of ₹20 plus GST applies, understanding the policy ensures you can manage your travel plans effectively and receive the appropriate refund, making the often-complex process of Indian train travel a little smoother.