Railways rejected Vande Bharat refund claim, now ordered to pay passenger Rs 10,000

A Kerala family cancelled a Vande Bharat train journey in February 2025 after only one Tatkal ticket was confirmed, leaving two others waitlisted. The Railways rejected their refund claim, claiming two passengers had travelled on the train. It refunded Rs 3,375 after more than three months but a Kerala Consumer Commission ordered Southern Railway to pay Rs 10,000 for failing to substantiate the allegation with travel records.

The complaint alleged deficiency in service by IRCTC and Southern Railway, seeking compensation for mental anguish and litigation costs. The commission noted the family's ticket was partially confirmed, but the Railways rejected the refund without producing supporting records, leading to the order to pay Rs 10,000.