Discover Snippet: This Diwali, Indian Railways brings cheer to passengers with a new offer — no cancellation fees and easy rescheduling for confirmed tickets. Here’s everything you need to know.
IRCTC Big Diwali Gift: Indian Railways Launches No-Cancellation-Fee Tickets
New Delhi, October 14: The Indian Railways has rolled out a festive surprise for passengers this Diwali. The IRCTC Big Diwali Gift allows travellers to cancel or reschedule their train journeys without paying any cancellation charges — a first-of-its-kind move aimed at making train travel more flexible and stress-free during the busy holiday season.
What Is the IRCTC No-Cancellation-Fee Offer?
Under this new initiative, passengers booking tickets through IRCTC can now opt for the No-Cancellation-Fee feature. This means if your travel plans change, you can cancel or reschedule your trip without losing money on cancellation charges — a relief for frequent travellers during the festive rush.
Earlier, passengers had to pay up to 50% of the ticket fare as cancellation fees if they decided to cancel their journey close to the travel date. With this new feature, Indian Railways is making it easier for passengers to adjust their plans without worrying about financial loss.
How Does It Work?
According to IRCTC, the No-Cancellation-Fee feature will be available at the time of ticket booking. Travellers need to select this option while booking their train tickets online. If plans change, they can either reschedule or cancel the journey without any penalty, as long as it’s done within the eligible period mentioned in the booking terms.
This feature applies to both sleeper and AC class tickets and is expected to reduce passenger stress during high-demand travel periods like Diwali and New Year holidays.
Why This Move Matters
Every year, millions of passengers face last-minute plan changes during festival seasons. The inability to recover ticket costs often discourages advance bookings. The new IRCTC offer changes that dynamic — encouraging early reservations while offering flexibility. It also supports the government’s ongoing push toward digital ticketing and smoother passenger experiences.
Traveler-Friendly Move by Indian Railways
In addition to this, Indian Railways has also simplified its rescheduling system, allowing passengers to modify travel dates without needing to cancel and rebook. This not only saves time but also ensures better utilization of available seats, especially on popular routes.
For passengers planning family trips or returning home for the holidays, this scheme could prove to be one of the most useful travel updates in years.
When and Where Is the Offer Available?
The IRCTC No-Cancellation-Fee feature is being introduced in phases across popular routes ahead of Diwali 2025. The option is visible while booking tickets on the official IRCTC website or mobile app.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official announcements from the Indian Railways and IRCTC. Passengers are advised to verify details and terms on the official IRCTC website before making bookings.
FAQs – IRCTC Big Diwali Gift 2025
Q1. What is the IRCTC Big Diwali Gift?
It’s a new initiative by Indian Railways that allows passengers to cancel or reschedule tickets without paying any cancellation fees.
Q2. How can I use the No-Cancellation-Fee feature?
You can select this option while booking your ticket on the IRCTC website or app.
Q3. Is the offer available for all classes?
Yes, it is available for both AC and sleeper class tickets on eligible trains.
Q4. When will the offer start?
The offer is being rolled out ahead of the Diwali 2025 travel season and will be available in phases across routes.
