Change Boarding Station

Travel plans can change at the last minute, and you might need to board the train from a different station than you planned. In such cases, the Indian Railways allows you to change the boarding station even if you have already booked your ticket. The process can be done both online and offline. Although changing the boarding station on a train ticket is allowed, you must first understand the process, the boarding-station change rules, and common errors to avoid any confusion.

What is a Boarding Station in a Train Ticket?

Let’s start with the meaning of a boarding station. The boarding station is the station from which you plan to get on the train. You have to select the boarding station when booking your tickets, and it is then mentioned on your train ticket as well.

Remember that the boarding station is not the same as the source station. A source station is the place from which the train starts, whereas a boarding station is the place from which you get on the train.

You can change your boarding station if your travel plans change after booking the tickets. However, remember that the option to change your boarding station is available under certain conditions, such as:

• Boarding can be changed online up to 24 hours before the train’s departure schedule.

• Boarding stations can be changed only once.

Steps to Change Boarding Station in IRCTC Online

You can easily change your boarding station using the IRCTC Rail Connect application or the IRCTC website. You can follow these steps to change the boarding station on your train ticket:

• Step 1: Login in to your IRCTC account using your user ID and password.
• Step 2: Go to “My Account”, then click on the “My Transactions” option and open “My Bookings”.
• Step 3: Select the train ticket for which you want to change the boarding station. A pop-up window will appear with a list of stations between the selected train route. Choose your desired boarding point.
• Step 4: Once you have selected your boarding station, accept the changes and click on “OK” to confirm.
• Step 5: Once done, a confirmation will pop up on your screen, and you will receive confirmation details on your registered mobile number and email ID.

You can also change the boarding station on your train ticket offline by visiting the railway station. Just follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest railway station and head straight to the ticket booking counter.

• Step 2: Submit your ticket details along with the PNR number.

• Step 3: Request the counter staff to change your boarding station and provide the new station details.

• Step 4: The counter staff will complete the process and update your boarding station.

• Step 5: Make sure to collect the updated ticket details.

Important Rules for Changing Boarding Station

Here are a few important boarding point change IRCTC rules you must be mindful of:

• Changes Are Allowed Only Once

Once you update your boarding point, you cannot change it again. Make sure you select the correct station before confirming, as no second chance is given.

• Changes Must Be 24 Hours Prior

As per IRCTC rules, e-ticket users can change their boarding station only up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. After this time limit, the option is not available.

• Penalty for Incorrect Boarding

If you board the train from the original station after making changes, you may have to pay the fare again, along with a penalty for travelling without proper authority between the original and updated boarding stations.

• Changes Not Allowed If

  • Your ticket has already been seized by railway authorities for any reason.

  • Tickets booked under the VIKALP scheme (alternate train accommodation).

  • You have booked an I-Ticket (physical ticket delivered to your address).

  • The ticket is booked under the current booking system (last-minute booking).

• Ticket Fares Remain the Same

If you change your boarding station, it does not affect your ticket fare. Remember that you will not get any refund or need to pay extra, even if the new station is closer or farther.

Although changing boarding stations is simple, many passengers make a few common mistakes. Take a look at some of the common mistakes you can avoid to keep the process hassle-free:

• Delaying Change Request

Many passengers delay updating their boarding station and often miss the 24-hour deadline.

• Selecting the Wrong Station

When choosing a new boarding point, many passengers select the wrong station with a similar name. This creates confusion later; it is important to double-check the station name before confirming.

• Not Checking Confirmation Information

Some passengers complete the boarding change process but fail to verify whether the changes have been made successfully. Ensure to check the confirmation message and updated ticket details.

• Ignoring Restrictions on Certain Tickets

The Indian Railways does not allow changes in the boarding point on certain ticket types, such as current tickets or I-Tickets. Ignoring these rules can waste time and cause confusion on the day of the journey.

• Assuming Boarding is Allowed From the Original Station

Even after changing the boarding station, many passengers assume that they can still board from the original boarding point. Remember that once the boarding station has been changed, the original boarding point becomes invalid.