Good news for railway passengers! The Indian Railways has updated its IRCTC online ticket booking rules, making travel more flexible and convenient. Now, passengers can change their boarding station online up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train. Earlier, this option was available only till 24 hours before departure.
This new rule is a big relief for passengers who often face last-minute travel changes. However, there are specific conditions and guidelines you must know before using this facility.
New IRCTC Boarding Station Rule
- Passengers can now change the boarding station up to 4 hours before departure, instead of the previous 24-hour limit.
- Example: If you book a ticket from Jaipur but actually want to board from Gandhi Nagar Railway Station on the 12414 Pooja Express, you can update the boarding point online without hassle.
Must Read: How To Change Boarding Station
Important Conditions for Changing Boarding Point
- No Refund Within 24 Hours – If the boarding station is changed within 24 hours of departure, no refund is given under normal cases.
- Exceptions Apply – In case of train cancellation, delay of over 3 hours, or non-attachment of coach, normal refund rules apply.
- Original Boarding Point Not Allowed – Once changed, you cannot board from the original station.
- Penalty for Wrong Boarding – If found boarding without valid authority, passengers must pay fare + penalty between the original and changed station.
- Restrictions Apply –
- Not allowed if ticket is seized.
- Not available for VIKALP option PNRs.
- Not allowed for Current Booking tickets.
- You can change the boarding station only once more if it was already changed during booking.
How to Change Boarding Station on IRCTC: Step by Step Guide
- Login to your IRCTC account with username and password.
- Go to My Account → My Transactions → Booked Ticket History.
- Select the ticket you want to modify and click on Change Boarding Point.
- A pop-up will show available stations on the train’s route. Select your new boarding station.
- Confirm your selection and click OK.
- A success alert message will appear on the screen.
- You will also receive a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number.
With this update, IRCTC has made online ticket booking more user-friendly and flexible. Passengers just need to be cautious about the rules, especially refund policies and restrictions. So next time you book your train ticket, don’t worry if you mistakenly choose the wrong boarding station—you can change it online till 4 hours before departure!
FAQs on IRCTC Boarding Station Change
Q1. Can I change my boarding station for all types of train tickets?
No, this option is not available for I-Tickets, Current Booking tickets, or VIKALP option PNRs. It is only for e-tickets.
Q2. How many times can I change my boarding station?
You can change it once after booking. If you already changed it during booking, you are allowed to modify it one more time.
Q3. Will I get a refund if I change the boarding station?
No refund is given if you change within 24 hours of departure. Refunds are only allowed in special cases like train cancellations or long delays.
Q4. Can I still board from the original station after changing the boarding point?
No, once changed, you lose the right to board from the original station.
Q5. How much time before departure can I change my boarding station now?
You can now change it up to 4 hours before departure, instead of the earlier 24-hour limit.
Stay tuned with Your Railway Guide for more IRCTC and Indian Railways news, travel tips, and updates.