In an unprecedented move, Indian Railways is set to cancel approximately 39 lakh tickets booked between April 15 and May 3 thanks to the extension of lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, the national transporter extended cancellation of all its passenger train services till 3rd May to minimize crowding of railway stations to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
Additionally, all the counters for booking of train tickets, will remain closed both on railway stations & outside the station premises till further orders.
“As far as trains cancelled up to May 3 are concerned, the refunds would be made online to the passengers’ accounts from which payment was made by IRCTC, while who have booked at the counters, refund can be taken up to 31st July,” Railways said.
More than 12,000 trains will be affected owing to the nationwide lockdown. Notably, the Indian Railways operates around 9,000 passenger trains & 3,000 mail express services every day.