Pune: The Pune division of Central Railway has recorded an impressive ₹62.7 crore in revenue from ticket cancellations during the 2024–25 financial year, marking a 24% rise compared to ₹50.48 crore collected in the previous year. The ₹12 crore increase indicates a surge in last-minute changes in travel plans among train passengers.
Handling about 150 trains daily, including over 50 originating from Pune, the division facilitates travel for approximately 1.75 lakh passengers each day. Routes to northern and other distant destinations are in particularly high demand, pushing many passengers to reserve tickets two to three months in advance. However, many end up cancelling their bookings due to changing plans or unforeseen circumstances.
A major factor behind the increase in cancellations is the recent revision in railway booking policy, which has reduced the advance reservation period from four months to two. This policy change, along with unpredictable travel schedules, has contributed to a higher volume of cancellations—and subsequently, higher cancellation-related earnings for the division.
“Railways apply a cancellation charge before processing refunds,” said Hemant Kumar Behera, spokesperson for the Pune railway division. “These charges vary depending on the ticket class, timing of the cancellation, and applicable GST. For instance, if a confirmed ticket is cancelled 48 to 12 hours prior to departure, 25% of the fare is deducted along with GST. If cancelled within 12 to 4 hours before departure, the deduction increases to 50%. No refunds are issued for cancellations made less than four hours before departure.”
While passengers may find these deductions discouraging, the policy is proving financially advantageous for the railways. The steady increase in cancellation income reflects shifting passenger behaviours and the impact of updated ticketing regulations, even as the railway system continues to cope with heavy demand and limited capacity.
