Handling Payment Delays on IRCTC Train Tickets and Booking New Tickets
When your IRCTC train ticket shows that the payment is still pending with the bank, you may wonder what this means and whether you can book new tickets without resolving the issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the situation, possible causes, and steps to take.
Understanding Payment Delays on IRCTC Tickets
Here are the common reasons why your IRCTC train ticket payment might be showing as pending:
Bank Processing Delay
This means that your bank is taking time to process the payment. This can happen due to a temporary delay in the banking system or the payment gateway.
Insufficient Funds
There might be a lack of sufficient funds in your account. Ensure that you have the required amount available before making the payment.
Technical Issues
There could be temporary technical issues with the payment gateway or your bank.
What to Do in Case of a Pending Payment
Wait for a While
Sometimes, the payment may get processed after a short delay. You can check back in a few minutes or hours to see if the status has changed.
Check Your Bank Account
Look for any deductions in your bank account. If you find any, you may need to contact your bank to clarify the status.
Contact IRCTC Support
If the status does not change, it’s best to reach out to IRCTC customer support for additional help and clarification.
Booking New Tickets with a Pending Payment
Regarding booking new tickets, you can generally do so without worrying about the pending payment, as long as you have confirmed that the transaction has not gone through (i.e., no amount has been deducted from your account). However, if the payment eventually goes through, you may end up with duplicate bookings, which can lead to complications. Therefore, it’s best to clarify the status with IRCTC before making any new bookings.
Safeguarding Your Money and Ensuring Refund
Don't panic. Your money is generally safe, and it will be refunded within 3 to 7 business days, depending on your bank. Here are some points to keep in mind:
Confirmation of Deduction
If your money has not been deducted, you are free to book new tickets. However, if you find that your account has been debited, it's best to contact IRCTC customer care before booking new tickets. Your money will be credited back to your bank account after 3 to 5 working days from IRCTC.
Understanding the Refund Process
Sometimes, money gets deducted from customers' bank accounts but not debited in the service provider's bank due to technical reasons. This can lead to confusion, but rest assured, your money is safe and will be refunded within 3 to 7 business days, depending on the bank's processing times.
Bank-Specific Processes
The refund process may take longer from certain banks, such as SBI. Therefore, it's important to know the specific timelines of your bank to avoid any anxiety.
Remember, your money is safe, and you should not take any drastic actions. IRCTC and your bank will handle the situation accordingly, and you will receive your refund within the specified timeframe.