How do I change the boarding point in a train?

Need to Change Your Train’s Boarding Point? Here’s How!

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs mean you need to adjust your travel plans, including where you’re actually boarding your train. Luckily, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) makes changing your boarding point relatively straightforward, allowing for greater flexibility in your journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Before You Start: Important Considerations

Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand a few key points:

• You can only change your boarding point once per ticket. Choose wisely!
• The new boarding point must be within the same railway zone as your original boarding point. While this might seem limiting, it ensures logistical feasibility.
• Changes can only be made before chart preparation. Once the chart is prepared for your train, the option to change the boarding point disappears. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
• You cannot change the origin station. The process only allows you to alter the point at which you join the train after its initial departure.
• Failure to board at the original boarding point without changing it beforehand can result in your ticket being cancelled. This is because the railways assume you’ve missed the train and might allocate your berth to someone else.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Boarding Point Online

Now that you’re aware of the limitations, let’s get to the actual process. This assumes you’ve booked your ticket through the official IRCTC website or app:

1. Log in to Your IRCTC Account: Open the IRCTC website or mobile app and log in using your credentials (username and password).

2. Navigate to “My Transactions”: Once logged in, look for the “My Transactions” section. This is usually found under your profile or account settings.

3. Access Your Booked Tickets: Within “My Transactions,” you’ll typically find a section labeled “Booked Ticket History” or something similar. Click on it to view a list of your booked train tickets.

4. Select the Ticket You Want to Modify: Locate the specific train ticket for which you wish to change the boarding point.

5. Find the “Change Boarding Point” Option: On the ticket details page, you should see an option to “Change Boarding Point.” The exact wording might vary slightly, but it should be easily identifiable. Click on this option.

6. Choose Your New Boarding Point: A list of stations that the train stops at within the same railway zone as your original boarding point will be displayed. Select your desired new boarding point from the list.

7. Confirm Your Choice: Review your selection carefully. Once you’re sure, confirm the change. You might need to enter your IRCTC password for security verification.

8. Receive Confirmation: After successful confirmation, you should receive a confirmation message or notification on the website/app, and possibly via SMS or email. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Important Notes After Changing Your Boarding Point

• Board at the New Station: Ensure you board the train at the new boarding point you’ve selected.
• No Refund for Missed Journey: If you board the train at a station before your new boarding point, you won’t be entitled to a refund for the unutilized portion of the journey.
• Check for Updates: While the process is usually reliable, it’s always a good idea to double-check your ticket details on the IRCTC website or app to ensure the boarding point has been updated correctly.

By following these steps, you can easily and efficiently change your train’s boarding point, providing you with greater control and flexibility over your travel plans. Remember to act before chart preparation to avoid any last-minute issues and ensure a smooth and stress-free journey!