The Western Railway has refunded Rs 397.13 crore as ticket money to passengers from March 1, 2020 to July 17, following cancellation of various trains.
“Of the Rs 397.13 crore the Western Railway’s Mumbai division refunded as much as Rs 189.70 crore. “Till now, 61.01 lakh passengers have cancelled their tickets across the Western Railway. They have received their refund amount accordingly,” a WR spokesperson said.
Following the cancellation of trains, the Western Railway has suffered a total loss of earnings amounting to Rs 1770.18 crore. The loss includes Rs 260.69 crore suffered by way of non-operation of trains on suburban sections and Rs 1509.49 crore on non-suburban sections. “Despite the huge losses faced by the railways, the passengers are being given a full refund,” the spokesperson said.
Following the pandemic and consequent lockdown, all passenger trains were cancelled from March 22 2020, Shramik special trains were introduced to carry the migrant labourers and their families to their hometowns.
Later, for the convenience of passengers, Indian Railways decided to restore passenger services in a phased manner with 15 pairs of Rajdhani type special trains from May 12, and 100 pairs of special trains from June 1.
Tickets booked through IRCTC website for the regular trains were cancelled online and amount credited accordingly. Whereas, for passengers who had booked their tickets through PRS counters, selected nominated stations were restarted for cancellations with effect from May 27.
“Passengers can avail the refund within 180 days from the date of journey. The passengers are being given full refund without deduction of any cancellation charges,” the spokesperson said.
“Also this 180 days leeway is being given so as passengers do not rush for refund against the cancelled trains and to avoid overcrowding by following social distancing norms and health protocols considering the present scenario,” the spokesperson added.