India

I missed my connecting train due to delay. Who compensates?

0% refund

For confirmed tickets cancelled >4 hrs before departure

50% refund

If cancelled 4–12 hrs before departure

25% refund

If cancelled 12–48 hrs before departure

₹200

Max e-ticket cancellation charge

The Short Answer

Indian Railways does not provide automatic compensation for missed connections due to delays, but you may claim a refund of the unused portion of your ticket under specific conditions.

What the Law Says

There is no specific statute in India mandating compensation for missed connecting trains due to delays. However, refund entitlements are governed by Indian Railways' tariff and cancellation rules.

Indian Railways does not guarantee punctuality or offer monetary compensation for delays causing missed connections. Passengers are expected to plan buffer time between journeys.

Refunds for unused segments (e.g., a second-leg ticket not boarded due to missing the connection) depend on cancellation timing and ticket type — not delay causation.

IRCTC’s e-ticketing rules apply uniformly: refunds are calculated based on when the ticket is cancelled relative to the scheduled departure, not whether a delay occurred.

Statutory Text
No refund shall be admissible for confirmed tickets surrendered within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
— IRCTC Refund Rules, Clause 3.1

Statutory Text
A flat cancellation charge of ₹200 per passenger shall be levied for all AC classes and ₹100 for non-AC classes, subject to minimum and maximum limits.
— IRCTC Refund Rules, Clause 4.2

Sources

statuteIRCTC Refund Rules, Clause 3.1 — Refund eligibility timeline statuteIRCTC Refund Rules, Clause 4.2 — Cancellation charges

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.