Rail travel is one of the most convenient and cost-effective modes of transportation. However, losing a railway ticket before the journey can be a cause of significant concern. Every railway ticket booked is assigned a unique 10-digit Passenger Name Record (PNR) number, which is used to track booking details. This PNR number is stored in the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) database along with the passenger’s details, including name, age, gender, and travel itinerary.
If you have lost your railway ticket, don’t worry! You can still obtain a duplicate ticket using your PNR number. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of retrieving a duplicate ticket, discuss the associated charges, and offer useful tips to keep your ticket safe.
What is a PNR Number?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record, a unique identifier assigned to every railway booking. This number helps passengers check their booking status and is essential for obtaining a duplicate ticket in case the original one is lost.
The PNR number is stored in the railway database and contains details such as:
- Passenger details (name, age, gender)
- Train number and name
- Date and time of journey
- Ticket status (confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted)
- Coach and seat number (if confirmed)
- Fare details
Keeping your PNR number safe is crucial as it can be used to retrieve your ticket if needed.
How to Get a Duplicate Ticket
1. Duplicate Ticket for a Passenger Reservation System (PRS) Counter Ticket
If you booked your ticket through a railway reservation counter and have lost it before your journey, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Nearest Railway Reservation Counter
Go to any computerized railway reservation counter and inform the Chief Reservation Supervisor about the lost ticket.
Step 2: Provide Proof of Identity
You will need to present valid identification proof, such as:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Driving license
Step 3: Provide Your PNR Number
The railway authorities will use your PNR number to locate your booking details.
Step 4: Check Ticket Status
A duplicate ticket will be issued only if the original ticket has a Confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status. If your ticket is waitlisted (WL), a duplicate ticket will not be issued.
Step 5: Pay the Required Charges
You will need to pay a certain percentage of the total fare as a charge for issuing the duplicate ticket. The charges vary depending on when you request the duplicate ticket (before or after the chart preparation).
2. Duplicate Ticket for an E-Ticket (Booked Through IRCTC)
If you booked your ticket online via the IRCTC website and lost the printout, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Log In to IRCTC Website
Visit the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) and log in using your credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Booked Tickets’ Section
Click on ‘Booked Ticket History’ to view all your reservations.
Step 3: Retrieve Your Ticket
Select the lost ticket and click on ‘Print E-Ticket.’ You can then save or print the ticket as required.
Unlike PRS tickets, IRCTC e-tickets can be reprinted without any additional charges.
Charges for Getting a Duplicate Ticket
The cost of issuing a duplicate ticket depends on the timing of the request and the ticket’s status.
Before Chart Preparation (For PRS Tickets)
- For Confirmed or RAC Tickets:
- If the journey distance is up to 500 km, 25% of the total fare is charged.
- For distances above 500 km, 10% of the total fare is charged, subject to a maximum of 25% of the total fare.
- For Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains, 25% of the total fare is charged regardless of the journey distance.
- For Torn or Destroyed Tickets:
- If you have a damaged ticket, you can get a duplicate one issued by submitting the original ticket along with the applicable charges.
After Chart Preparation (For PRS Tickets)
- 50% of the total fare is charged for issuing a duplicate ticket.
- If your ticket is in RAC status, a duplicate ticket cannot be issued.
- If the ticket is waitlisted and gets torn or mutilated, a duplicate ticket will not be provided.
- For confirmed or RAC tickets that are torn or destroyed, 25% of the total fare is charged.
Refund Policy
If you obtain a duplicate ticket and later find the original ticket before the train’s scheduled departure, you can submit both tickets and claim a refund. However, a 5% deduction will be made on the duplicate ticket charges paid, with a minimum deduction of INR 20.
Important Tips to Keep Your Ticket Safe
Losing a railway ticket can be stressful, but you can take the following precautions to avoid such situations:
- Book E-Tickets Whenever Possible: Online bookings eliminate the risk of losing a physical ticket, as you can always reprint it.
- Save a Digital Copy: Take a picture or store a soft copy of your ticket on your phone.
- Note Down the PNR Number: Keep a record of your PNR number in case you need a duplicate ticket.
- Use Secure Storage: Store physical tickets in a safe place, like a travel organizer or wallet.
- Check Ticket Before Leaving: Before heading to the station, ensure you have your ticket with you.
Conclusion
Losing a railway ticket is an unfortunate but manageable situation. With the help of your PNR number, you can get a duplicate ticket issued at the railway reservation counter or retrieve an e-ticket online. However, it is always advisable to keep your ticket safe and book online whenever possible to avoid the hassle of obtaining a duplicate ticket.
By understanding the process and applicable charges, you can navigate the situation efficiently and continue your journey without unnecessary stress. Keep your PNR number handy and travel worry-free!
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