IRCTC permits PNR linking for connecting trains, making it easier to claim refunds

The Indian Railways has introduced a passenger-friendly new rule for connecting journeys. According to this, PNRs can now be linked, and also refund rules have been improved.
A circular issued by the Railway Ministry suggests that from now on Indian Railways will let passengers link two PNRs for a connecting journey. This rule applies both for IRCTC e-tickets, and also for tickets bought from PRS counters. It has been noted that when two PNRs are not linked, passengers find it difficult to claim for refund in case they miss the second train. This new initiative would help passengers to get their refund easily.

The IRCTC initiative is going to be effective from April 1, 2019, and will help passengers who miss the connecting train due to the first train running late. Under this rule the travelled portion would be retained, and the balance would be refunded. The refunded amount is basically the fare of the untraveled portion. If you surrender the ticket for refund within three hours of the arrival of your train, then there would be no cancellation.
You will be able to claim the refund at the junction station.

Features of the new PNR linking rule –

• Both PNRs should contain passenger details, including name
• The PNR linking applies to all classes
• Cancellation is valid from the journey terminating station of main train, and the journey originating station of the second train
• Destination station in the first train, and the boarding station of the second train should be same