Passenger Associations Urge Vaishnaw to Reconsider New Refund Rules

• Passenger associations appeal to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw against new refund rules.
• New norm: no refund for confirmed ticket cancellation within 8 hours of departure, instead of 4 hours.
• Vaishnaw states changes aim to curb black marketing and last-minute ticket sales by agents.
• Revised refund slabs: 50% deduction for 24-8 hours cancellation, 25% for 72-24 hours, full refund for over 72 hours.
• Associations argue new rules impose financial burden, while ministry claims no extra cost and improved transparency.