Can we change boarding after booking train ticket?

Can You Change Your Boarding Point After Booking a Train Ticket? Understanding the Rules

Planning a train journey often involves meticulous attention to detail. You book your ticket, secure your seat, and eagerly anticipate the trip. But life is unpredictable. Sometimes, a sudden change in plans means you need to board the train from a different station than originally intended. So, can you change your boarding point after booking your train ticket? The answer, fortunately, is often yes, but with important caveats.

The good news is that Indian Railways permits a change in your boarding point, allowing for some flexibility in your travel arrangements. This is particularly useful if you find yourself closer to a later station on the train’s route than your initially designated boarding station.

The Golden Rule: Up to 24 Hours Before Departure

The most crucial aspect of this provision is the time limit. You can change your boarding point only up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your train. Attempting to make the change within this 24-hour window will likely be unsuccessful. So, prompt action is key if you need to adjust your boarding station.

How to Change Your Boarding Point (Online):

For tickets booked online through the official IRCTC website, the process is generally straightforward:

1. Log into your IRCTC account.
2. Navigate to the “Booked Ticket History” or “My Transactions” section.
3. Select the ticket you want to modify.
4. Look for the option to “Change Boarding Point” (this might be under a “More Options” or similar dropdown).
5. Choose your new boarding station from the available list.
6. Confirm your changes. You may be required to enter your OTP.

Important Exclusions: When You Can’t Change Your Boarding Point

While the option to change your boarding point offers valuable flexibility, it’s essential to understand the exceptions:

• Tickets Already Seized: If your ticket has already been seized by a Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE), you will not be able to change your boarding point. This typically happens when you are found traveling without a valid ticket or in a class higher than your ticket permits.
• Tickets Booked Using the VIKALP Option: The VIKALP scheme allows passengers on waitlisted tickets to opt-in to be considered for accommodation in alternative trains. If your ticket was booked under this option, changing the boarding point is not permitted. The VIKALP scheme is designed to accommodate passengers on specific trains and routes; changing the boarding point would disrupt this system.
• Tickets booked through Agents: If you have booked your tickets through a travel agent, they will need to facilitate the change for you. The same rules apply regarding the 24 hour cut-off.

Why This Matters: Avoiding Penalties

It’s crucial to remember that boarding the train from a station other than the one printed on your ticket, without officially changing it beforehand, can result in penalties. You might be considered as traveling without a valid ticket for the portion of the journey between your originally designated boarding station and the station where you actually boarded. This can lead to fines and inconvenience.

Important Tip:

After changing your boarding point online, it’s advisable to take a screenshot or print out confirmation of the change. While it’s recorded in the system, having proof can be helpful in case of any unforeseen issues.

In conclusion, changing your boarding point after booking a train ticket is possible, but only under specific conditions. Adhering to the 24-hour deadline and understanding the exclusions is paramount. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free train journey, even when unexpected circumstances arise.