Between 2021 and 2024, Indian Railways earned almost Rs 1,230 crore from cancelled waiting list tickets. This revenue has been increasing steadily since 2021, with Rs 242.68 crore earned in 2021, Rs 439.16 crore in 2022, and Rs 505 crore in 2023. These figures came to light through an RTI filed...
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by activist Dr. Vivek Pandey, who criticized the railways for profiting from cancelled tickets. Cancellation charges vary based on class, with higher charges for cancellations within four hours of departure. However, full refunds are provided for cancellations made at least 72 hours before departure. This revenue is sufficient to purchase around 10 new Vande Bharat trains, estimated to cost Rs 115 crore each.