Can we change boarding after booking train ticket?

Need to Change Your Boarding Station? Here’s What Train Passengers Need to Know

Life happens. Unexpected events, sudden changes in plans – sometimes the boarding station you initially selected when booking your train ticket just doesn’t work anymore. Thankfully, most train services offer a degree of flexibility, allowing passengers to modify their boarding point after booking. But before you breathe a sigh of relief, understanding the rules surrounding boarding station changes is crucial to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

The Good News: You Can Usually Change Your Boarding Station

Yes, in many cases, you can change your boarding station after booking your train ticket. This feature is designed to provide some much-needed convenience for travelers whose itineraries have shifted. It means you don’t necessarily have to cancel your existing ticket and scramble for a new one, potentially losing money and facing higher fares.

The Catch: Important Rules and Limitations

However, this flexibility comes with some key limitations you need to be aware of:

• Timing is Everything: The most critical rule is that you must make the change before the train’s scheduled departure from your original boarding station. The window of opportunity isn’t unlimited; generally, the deadline for changing your boarding station is 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of your train from your originally booked station. Miss this deadline, and you’ll likely be out of luck.

• One-Time Opportunity: You are typically only allowed to change your boarding station once per ticket. So, make sure your revised plan is final before confirming the change.

• Tickets Not Eligible: Certain types of tickets are ineligible for boarding station changes. The most common exceptions are:

  • Tickets Already Seized: If a ticket checker has already marked your absence at your original boarding station (meaning you were a no-show), you’ve effectively forfeited your right to board from a different station.
  • Tickets Booked Under the VIKALP Scheme: The VIKALP scheme is a system designed to automatically confirm waitlisted passengers on alternative trains. If your ticket was confirmed under this scheme, you won’t be able to change your boarding station. This is because the system is already actively managing your booking and deviating from the original plan could disrupt the process.

Why Are There Restrictions?

These restrictions are in place for practical reasons. Allowing unlimited or last-minute changes could lead to logistical nightmares for the railway authorities. They need accurate passenger counts for seat allocation, catering, and overall train management. The rules ensure they have sufficient time to adjust their planning based on the updated information.

How to Change Your Boarding Station (General Guidance)

The process for changing your boarding station usually involves the following steps:

• Accessing Your Booking: Log in to the official website or mobile app of the railway provider (e.g., IRCTC in India).
• Locating Your Ticket: Find your booked ticket within your account.
• Finding the “Change Boarding Station” Option: Look for a dedicated option labelled “Change Boarding Station” or something similar. It might be located within the ticket details or under a “Modify Booking” section.
• Selecting the New Boarding Station: Choose your desired new boarding station from the list of valid stations for that train.
• Confirming the Change: Review the changes and confirm your request. You may receive a confirmation message or email.

Important Reminders:

• Always Refer to Official Sources: Rules and procedures can vary slightly depending on the railway operator and specific ticket types. Always refer to the official website or app of the relevant railway company for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Don’t Assume: Never assume you can change your boarding station at the last minute. Double-check the rules and act well in advance of the deadline.
• Be Prepared to Explain: If you encounter any issues or need assistance, be prepared to explain your situation clearly to the railway staff.

By understanding the rules and acting proactively, you can leverage the flexibility offered by boarding station changes and ensure a smoother and more convenient train journey, even when your plans change unexpectedly.