Indian Railways Introduces 30-Minute Window To Change Boarding Station

Last-minute plan changes are no longer unknown. Agree? Several factors, such as a lack of time to reach the booked boarding point during railway travel, have often left passengers struggling. But worry not! Railway passengers can now modify their boarding points 30 minutes before the train's departure. The Southern Indian Railways announced a more flexible rule for changing boarding points from April 1, 2026. In a press release, the authorities revealed that travellers can change their boarding station just 30 minutes before the train's departure time. 

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Under the revised system, this flexibility is available until the second and final reservation chart is prepared. For context, this chart is traditionally prepared half an hour before the train leaves its originating station. The facility is introduced to make railway travel more flexible and to play a significant role in easing last-minute plan changes. The travellers will now have multiple railway station options, allowing for more convenient travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reportedly stated on March 24 that the new facility will ensure passengers do not lose their confirmed seats if they miss their boarding at the original station. 

For instance, if they had originally booked from Station 1 and can only reach Station 5 within the stipulated time the train reaches the latter, they can instead board from there, considered having changed the boarding point 30 minutes before the chart was prepared. The facility is available both through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and online via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) portal. 

Who Is Eligible For Change Of Boarding Points?

Passengers with confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets are eligible for this latest facility put up by the Railways. The boarding point modification, however, can occur only once. You need to make the request before the final chart is prepared, and no changes to it are allowed afterwards. 

This facility isn't available for those holding waitlisted tickets.

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Steps To Change Boarding Points

Check out the steps to change the boarding point online at the last minute:

1. Log in to the IRCTC website or app 

2. Go to “My Account”, then “My Transactions”, and finally “Booked Ticket History”

3. Select your ticket and click on “Change Boarding Point” 

4. Choose a preferred station from the list displayed 

5. Confirm the selection by clicking “OK” 

6. A confirmation pop-up notification will appear on your screens, and an SMS will be sent to the registered mobile number.

Passengers who booked their tickets at the railway counters can request a change of boarding points by visiting the nearest Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter, a designated, computerised station for booking and cancelling Indian Railways tickets.