What if I forgot to change my boarding station?

Consequences of Missing Your Boarding Station

When booking a train ticket, it is crucial to ensure that you board the train at the correct station. Failure to do so can result in penalties and other inconveniences.

Boarding at a Different Station

Boarding a train at a station other than the one specified on your ticket incurs a penalty. This is because the reserved seats on trains are assigned specifically to passengers who have booked from that station. By boarding at a different station, you are essentially taking a seat that was meant for someone else.

Loss of Reserved Seat

Upon boarding the train, you may find that your reserved seat has been occupied by another passenger. This is because the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) may have reassigned your seat to someone who boarded at the correct station. In such cases, you may have to travel in a different seat or even in a different class, depending on the availability.

TTE’s Discretion

In some cases, the TTE may choose not to reassign your seat, particularly if the train is not fully occupied. However, this is entirely at their discretion, and there is no guarantee that they will make an exception.

Additional Penalty

In addition to the inconvenience of losing your seat, you may also be charged an additional penalty for boarding at the incorrect station. The amount of this penalty can vary depending on the railway company and the distance traveled.

Precautions to Avoid Penalties

To avoid these penalties and inconveniences, it is important to be mindful of your boarding station when booking a train ticket. Double-check the station name on your ticket to ensure that it is correct. If you realize that you have made a mistake, contact the railway authority as soon as possible to request a change of boarding station.