Passengers travelling with Indian Railways now have more flexibility when it comes to last-minute plan changes. A new rule allows travellers to change their boarding station up to 30 minutes before the train's departure, offering relief to those who may not be able to reach their originally selected station on time, NDTV reported.
30-minute window before departure
The updated rule, introduced by Southern Railway from April 1, 2026, allows passengers to modify their boarding point until the second and final reservation chart is prepared. This chart is typically generated 30 minutes before the train departs from its originating station.
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The move aims to make train travel more convenient and reduce stress caused by last-minute changes in plans. It ensures that passengers can still board the train from a different station without losing their confirmed seat.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier reportedly said the facility would help passengers retain their bookings even if they miss boarding at the original station.
How the system works
Under the revised system, passengers can switch their boarding station within the permitted time frame. For example, if a traveller initially booked from one station but can only reach a later stop on the route, they can update their boarding point accordingly before the final chart is prepared.
This flexibility is available both online via the IRCTC platform and offline through Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
Who can use this facility
The option to change boarding points is available only to passengers with confirmed tickets or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) status. The modification can be made only once per ticket.
Passengers holding waitlisted tickets are not eligible for this facility. Additionally, no changes are permitted after the final reservation chart has been prepared.
Steps to change boarding point online
Passengers using the IRCTC website or app can follow a simple process:
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Log in, navigate to "My Transactions" under "My Account", select "Booked Ticket History" and choose the relevant ticket. Then click on "Change Boarding Point", pick a new station and confirm the update. A confirmation message is sent via SMS to the registered mobile number.
For counter bookings, passengers can visit the nearest PRS centre to request the change.
