Just days before the rollout of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper trains, Indian Railways has announced new cancellation charges for this premium service, making ticket refunds stricter for travellers.

According to a Railway Board notification, 25% of the fare will be deducted if a confirmed ticket is cancelled more than 72 hours before departure. If the ticket is cancelled between 72 hours and 8 hours, passengers will lose 50% of the fare, while no refund will be given for cancellations made within eight hours of departure. Refunds will also not be admissible if passengers fail to cancel the ticket or file a TDR online within the stipulated time.

No RAC and minimum charge applicable

The Railways has also clarified that Vande Bharat sleeper trains will not have RAC tickets, and the minimum chargeable distance will be 400 km. Only ladies' quota, senior citizens' quota, persons with disabilities quota, and duty pass reservations will be allowed.

READ MORE: No RAC on Vande Bharat Sleeper? Big shock for train passengers; check new rules

Meanwhile, for the newly launched Amrit Bharat-II Express, the minimum chargeable distance will be 200 km, with no RAC provision either.

The move signals tighter refund norms as Indian Railways prepares to expand its premium long-distance services.