What Does “Payment Under Process” Mean in TDR Refund Status?
When users check their TDR refund status on IRCTC and see “Payment Under Process”, it creates confusion and anxiety. In simple terms, this status means that IRCTC has approved the refund, but the money has not yet been credited to the original payment source. The refund is stuck between approval and bank transfer.
This status appears after TDR acceptance, not before. That means the claim has already passed verification and eligibility checks. However, approval does not mean immediate payment. The amount still needs to move through internal finance processing and banking systems.
Key things this status clearly indicates:
- The TDR request is not rejected
- Refund is not cancelled
- Amount is pending transfer, not denied
- No further action is required from IRCTC side unless delay crosses limits
Most users misunderstand this status and keep waiting blindly. In reality, this stage has defined timelines, and once crossed, the delay becomes actionable, not normal.
What this status does NOT mean:
- It does not mean “refund sent”
- It does not mean “refund failed”
- It does not mean “bank problem only”
- It does not mean “system error”
Understanding this status properly helps users decide when to wait and when to escalate. Blind waiting beyond the allowed processing window only increases frustration and financial loss.
Delay continues, no action taken, or complaints ignored—RTIwala uses RTI to demand official answers and written proof.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://cc.rti.link/wadp
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
How Long Does TDR Refund Stay Under Process? (Exact Timeline)
This is the most searched and most important question for users facing TDR refund delays. IRCTC does not clearly show timelines on the refund page, which leads to confusion. However, based on official processes and banking cycles, the “Payment Under Process” stage follows a predictable window.
Normally, once the status changes to “Payment Under Process,” the refund should be completed within 3 to 7 working days. This includes internal finance clearance and bank settlement time.
Standard processing timelines:
- UPI / Debit Card payments: 3–5 working days
- Credit Card payments: 5–7 working days
- Net Banking payments: 4–6 working days
- Wallet-based payments: 5–7 working days
Delays beyond 7 working days are not normal and should not be ignored. At this point, the refund is considered administratively delayed, not system-related.
Important timeline facts users must know:
- Weekends and bank holidays do not count
- Refund clock starts after TDR approval, not filing
- IRCTC does not auto-escalate delayed refunds
- Banks rarely notify users about incoming refunds
If the status remains unchanged for more than 10 working days, the issue moves into a category where written accountability is required. Many users keep waiting for 20–30 days without realizing the delay is already outside acceptable limits.
Common user mistakes during this phase:
- Assuming “under process” means unlimited waiting
- Contacting banks before IRCTC completes transfer
- Filing repeated complaints without documentation
- Not tracking exact working days passed
Once the timeline is crossed, the problem is no longer technical. It becomes a delay in refund execution, which can be questioned and formally pursued. Knowing the exact timeline protects users from unnecessary waiting and helps them take action at the right moment.
Common Reasons Why TDR Refund Payment Gets Delayed
When a TDR refund shows “Payment Under Process” for longer than the normal timeline, users often assume it is a technical glitch. In reality, delays usually happen due to administrative and system-level reasons, not because the refund is rejected. Understanding the exact cause helps users decide the next step correctly.
One of the most common reasons is internal batch processing delay at IRCTC’s finance department. Refunds are not processed individually; they are released in batches. If a batch is held due to reconciliation or verification issues, all refunds in that batch get delayed.
Major delay reasons users should know:
- Pending internal approval from IRCTC finance
- Bulk refund batch not released on scheduled day
- Backend reconciliation mismatch
- Temporary system freeze during audits
Another frequent cause is payment gateway dependency. IRCTC does not directly credit money to users’ accounts. Refunds pass through payment gateways and banks, which adds an extra layer of dependency and delay.
Gateway-related issues include:
- Gateway settlement not triggered
- Gateway API failure
- Bank response delay
- Failed credit attempt not retried automatically
Incorrect or inactive payment source is another hidden reason. If the original payment method has changed, expired, or been blocked (especially in case of debit cards or closed accounts), the refund remains stuck without proper notification.
This usually happens when:
- Debit card expired after booking
- Bank account closed or frozen
- Credit card limit issues
- Wallet accounts deactivated
Sometimes, the delay happens due to TDR category validation issues. Even after approval, internal checks may flag inconsistencies in medical certificates, train cancellation data, or charting time records. These flags pause payment release silently.
Common validation triggers:
- Medical certificate mismatch
- Train cancellation time dispute
- Partial journey confusion
- Passenger-wise refund calculation mismatch
The biggest problem users face is lack of transparency. IRCTC does not display the exact reason for delay on the status page. The message remains generic, forcing users to guess and wait without clarity.
This is why most users lose time by:
- Repeatedly checking status without escalation
- Calling customer care without written proof
- Assuming the issue will auto-resolve
- Missing the right time to formally question delay
Once the refund crosses the normal processing window, the delay becomes procedural, not technical. At this stage, users are legally entitled to ask why the payment is still under process.
Delay continues, no action taken, or complaints ignored—RTIwala uses RTI to demand official answers and written proof.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://cc.rti.link/wadp
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
How to Check TDR Refund Status Correctly on IRCTC
Many users believe they are checking their TDR refund status correctly, but in reality, they miss important details. Checking the status properly is crucial to understand whether the refund is genuinely under process or already delayed beyond limits.
First, users must ensure they are checking the status from the correct section of the IRCTC portal. Refund status shown under “Booked Ticket History” is often incomplete and misleading.
Correct way to access TDR refund status:
- Login to IRCTC account
- Go to My Transactions
- Select TDR History
- Click on the specific TDR reference number
Once inside the TDR details page, users should not focus only on the status line. The date of approval and last update timestamp are equally important. These dates determine whether the refund is within or beyond the allowed timeline.
Important details to note:
- TDR filing date
- TDR approval date
- Status update date
- Refund amount approved
Users should calculate working days passed after approval, not calendar days. This is where most users make mistakes and wait longer than necessary.
While checking the status, users should also look for payment mode information. Sometimes, the refund is already released by IRCTC but is pending at the bank level. This distinction matters before taking the next step.
Status interpretations users should understand:
- “Payment Under Process” → IRCTC has not released funds yet
- “Refund Sent” → Bank-side processing pending
- “Refund Failed” → Requires manual intervention
- No update for 7+ working days → Delay confirmed
Another critical step is taking screenshots and saving reference numbers. These records are essential if the refund delay needs to be questioned later. Without documentation, users struggle to prove timelines.
What users should always save:
- TDR reference number
- Approval date screenshot
- Status page screenshot
- Transaction ID
Users should avoid repeatedly raising generic complaints without data. Instead, proper status checking allows users to pinpoint delay responsibility—whether it lies with IRCTC or the bank.
Once the status remains unchanged beyond the defined timeline, checking alone is not enough. At that point, users need a formal written explanation, not verbal assurances.
What to Do If TDR Refund Is Stuck Under Process for Long Time
When a TDR refund remains “Payment Under Process” beyond 7–10 working days, the issue is no longer routine. At this stage, waiting silently is the biggest mistake users make. IRCTC does not automatically escalate delayed refunds, so action from the user becomes necessary.
The first step is to confirm the delay with facts, not assumptions. Users must count working days from the TDR approval date, not the filing date. If more than 10 working days have passed with no status change, the delay is officially valid.
Immediate actions users should take:
- Recheck TDR approval date and status update date
- Save screenshots of the refund status page
- Note TDR reference number and refund amount
- Identify original payment method used
The next step is to raise a written grievance, not just call customer care. Phone calls do not create accountability or records. Complaints must be raised through official channels where responses are documented.
Effective complaint methods include:
- IRCTC online grievance portal
- Email complaint with TDR reference details
- Payment gateway complaint (only if refund marked “sent”)
While raising a complaint, users should clearly mention:
- Exact number of working days passed
- That refund is approved but payment pending
- That delay exceeds normal processing timeline
- Request for written explanation and release date
Many users make the mistake of filing multiple random complaints. This often resets response timelines and delays resolution further. One clear, documented complaint is more effective than repeated follow-ups.
If there is no written response within 7 days of complaint submission, the issue moves from customer support level to accountability level. At this point, escalation is not optional—it is required.
Things users should avoid during this phase:
- Waiting indefinitely without documentation
- Calling banks before IRCTC releases funds
- Assuming “system issue” excuses
- Closing the complaint prematurely
Once normal grievance mechanisms fail, users must shift from requesting to demanding accountability. This is where most refunds finally move—when responsibility is formally questioned.
Delay continues, no action taken, or complaints ignored—RTIwala uses RTI to demand official answers and written proof.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://cc.rti.link/wadp
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
How RTI Can Force IRCTC to Release Pending TDR Refund
When a TDR refund remains stuck despite approval and complaints, RTI becomes the most effective tool. RTI does not ask for favors. It demands official, written answers, which IRCTC is legally bound to provide.
RTI works because it shifts the issue from customer support to statutory accountability. Officers must respond within a fixed time, and replies become permanent records. This pressure often leads to immediate refund release.
Through RTI, users can legally ask:
- Why the approved TDR refund is still unpaid
- Which officer is responsible for processing delay
- On what date the refund was approved for payment
- What rule allows delay beyond standard timeline
RTI also helps identify where exactly the refund is stuck—IRCTC finance, payment gateway, or bank settlement. This clarity is impossible through normal complaints.
Key benefits of using RTI for delayed TDR refunds:
- Written explanation within 30 days
- Official acknowledgment of delay
- Fixes responsibility on a department or officer
- Forces faster internal action to avoid penalties
Most importantly, RTI changes the mindset of authorities. Once an RTI is filed, files are moved faster to avoid future questioning or appeals. In many cases, refunds are released before the RTI reply is even issued.
RTI should be filed when:
- Refund is approved but unpaid for 10+ working days
- Complaints received generic or no replies
- No clear release date is given
- Status remains unchanged repeatedly
Users often hesitate to file RTI thinking it is complex. In reality, a professionally drafted RTI with precise questions is simple and highly effective. Poorly drafted RTIs, however, lead to vague replies.
This is why expert handling matters. Platforms like RTIwala ensure:
- Correct authority selection
- Precise, delay-focused questions
- Legal language that demands accountability
- Follow-up through appeal if required
RTI is not escalation—it is enforcement of rights. For delayed TDR refunds, it is often the final and fastest solution when nothing else works.
Delay continues, no action taken, or complaints ignored—RTIwala uses RTI to demand official answers and written proof.
📞 Call: +91-7999-50-6996
💬 WhatsApp: https://cc.rti.link/wadp
🌐 www.rtiwala.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “Payment Under Process” mean in TDR refund status on IRCTC?
It means the TDR refund is approved, but IRCTC has not yet credited the amount to your bank or original payment method.
2. How long does TDR refund remain under process after approval?
Normally, TDR refunds are credited within 3 to 7 working days after approval. Delays beyond 10 working days are not normal.
3. Can a TDR refund remain under process forever?
No. If the status does not change after the normal timeline, it indicates an administrative delay that requires escalation or written explanation.
4. Why is my TDR refund approved but not credited to my bank account?
Common reasons include IRCTC finance delays, payment gateway settlement issues, or problems with the original payment method.
5. Should I contact the bank if TDR refund shows under process?
No. Until IRCTC releases the refund, banks cannot take action. First confirm whether IRCTC has actually sent the payment.
6. What should I do if TDR refund is stuck under process for more than 10 days?
You should raise a documented complaint and seek a written explanation. If unresolved, escalation through RTI becomes effective.
7. Can RTI really help in getting delayed TDR refunds?
Yes. RTI forces IRCTC to provide written accountability, identify responsible officers, and often results in faster refund release.
8. Is filing RTI for TDR refund delay legal and safe?
Yes. RTI is a legal right under the RTI Act and is safe to use for seeking reasons for delays in approved refunds.
