The Indian Railways has rolled out new cancellation and refund rules specifically for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and Amrit Bharat II Express trains. These changes are part of the railway’s policy updates for 2026.
Here’s what you need to know:
If you cancel your ticket less than eight hours before departure, you won’t get any refund. This is a shift from regular trains, where you can still get a refund up to four hours before.
Cancellation penalties have also increased. For those who plan ahead:
- Cancel more than 72 hours before departure: You’ll face a 25% cancellation fee.
- Cancel between 72 hours and eight hours: The fee jumps to 50%.
These stricter rules reflect the premium nature of these trains. Both the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat II guarantee all seats, meaning there’s no wait-list. Last-minute cancellations can lead to empty seats and lost revenue for the railways.
In January 2026, the Prime Minister launched the first sets of these new trains, making these rules effective immediately. Passengers are encouraged to book only when their travel plans are certain to avoid unexpected charges.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Indian Railways has updated its policies. Historically, they have adjusted rules based on passenger feedback and operational needs. As of now, the railways has classified all Amrit Bharat trains launched after January 2026 under the Amrit Bharat II designation, as noted in an official circular.
With travel patterns shifting post-pandemic, many users have taken to social media to express their views. Some appreciate the tighter rules as they help ensure seats are used efficiently, while others are disappointed about the lack of flexibility.
In summary, as these new rules take effect, travelers must make informed decisions and book wisely. For further reading, you can check out this official Indian Railways report.
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Indian Railways, Vande Bharat Sleeper, Amrit Bharat II, ticket cancellation, refund policy, premium trains, cancellation charges, seat utilisation, train booking rules, 2026 railway update
