How to Change Boarding Station in Indian Railways?

Passengers often face challenges when trying to change boarding stations while travelling. Lack of information and confusion affect the overall travel experience and cause stress. However, passengers can change boarding station in just a few clicks with proper guidance.

Each traveler must learn how to change their boarding point when required. Also learn the eligibility criteria and when Indian Railways allows or restricts changes. Go through the simple steps to make changes in the boarding point. Also find the applicable deadlines and common issues that occur in the process.

What is a Boarding Station in Indian Railways?

The term “Boarding Station” refers to the specific railway station where a valid train ticket holder gets on the train. The boarding station can be different from the original station selected during ticket booking. However, passengers can change boarding station following railway rules and guidelines to avoid penalties and other challenges.

For example, you booked the ticket on train number 12306 from New Delhi to Patna Junction railway station. Then the default boarding point will be New Delhi unless changes are made. If changes occur in the travel plan, passengers can change the boarding station from New Delhi to Kanpur Central or others, following the train schedule.

However, passengers need to understand that a boarding station change is allowed only in the same train booked for a specific date. So, no changes in travel date or train number. Only changes are allowed in the boarding point. Therefore, passengers need to choose the boarding point carefully.

Can I Change My Boarding Station?

Yes, any travel can change the boarding station who qualifies the eligibility criteria. So, check each criterion to understand whether you can make last-minute changes to your boarding point or not.

Ticket Type to Change Boarding Station

Only tickets with confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status qualify for the boarding point change. So, check PNR status to know if it meets the eligibility requirements or not.
Tickets booked under general or Tatkal quota may get the chance to make changes in boarding point.
Seized, Current Booking, tickets with Vikalp option, and I-tickets are exceptions and do not qualify for change in boarding point.

Timeframe for Changes in Boarding Point

If you are planning to make changes in the boarding station, then you must understand the time limit. However, it can vary depending on ticket types and reservations made under a specific quota.
E-ticket holders under the General quota are now permitted to change the boarding station at-least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
However, the time limit for Tatkal ticket holders is at-least 4 hours before the train departure.
Passengers must ensure they apply for changes before the second chart preparation for successful changes.

Applicable Frequency for Each Ticket

Indian Railways allows changes in train ticket boarding points only once for the journey. This means you are not allowed to make changes again for the same ticket.
After changing the boarding point, you will not get the second change to make changes in boarding point.
However, you can check the seat availabilityto make a new booking and plan the boarding station as you require.

How to Change Boarding Station?

Train travelers can change the boarding station in two different ways. One is while booking a ticket, and the other is after booking a ticket. So, check how to change boarding points in IRCTC and apply accordingly to improve travel convenience.

Change Boarding Station During Ticket Booking

Indian Railways allows passengers to choose the boarding point while booking a ticket.
Initially, the boarding point is the same as the selected station for ticket booking.
However, passengers can change it before proceeding with the payment.
It helps to change the boarding point during ticket booking and provides peace of mind.

Boarding Station Change After Ticket Booking

Once you have booked the ticket, check the PNR status and ensure you are eligible to make changes to the boarding point.

After confirming the eligibility, reach out to the ticket booking portal.
Click on the “My Booking” section where you can find all the booked ticket details.
Look for “Boarding Point Change” and click on it.
You will go to a new page; fill in the required details.
Select the ticket and change the current boarding station to the preferred boarding station.
Confirm the changes and proceed to the new boarding station.

This new boarding station will reflect after chart preparation. However, you must follow a few necessary points when making changes to the boarding point.

Also Read: How to Reach Your Boarding Station if You Board the Wrong Train?

Points to Remember After Boarding Station Change

Remembering certain points can help passengers during a smooth boarding experience.

No Boarding Allowed at Original Boarding Station

Once you change the original boarding station to a new one, you lose the right to board and start the journey from the original boarding point.

Railway Penalty on Unauthorised Boarding

Any passengers found to be boarding from other than the final boarding station may face a penalty against unauthorised travel. You may have to pay the penalty with fare difference or be asked to deboard the train.

Get Confirmation Message on Change Boarding Station

Indian Railways may send the confirmation notification for the applied changes. It helps passengers get peace of mind and make sure that the ticket is valid for the new boarding station.

New Seat Allocation After Changing Boarding Point

Once the boarding point is changed, Indian Railways may reallocate seats during chart preparation. Therefore, always check your PNR status after chart preparation to find the journey details.

Also Read: How to Get Seat Allocation in Same Coach When Travelling Together

Common Issues While Making Changes

Ticket holders may face some common issues that restrict them from making changes to the ticket booking. Some understand those common issues and make informed decisions.

No Option to Change

Passengers may not find the option to change boarding stations. It is a common challenge faced by train travellers because Indian Railways is working hard to improve services. Therefore, latest updates may bring some changes, and options may be shifted to other places, which require finding them properly.

Fare Difference on Changing Boarding Point

Indian Railways doesn’t return or impose any charges for the difference in fare when changing boarding stations. However, certain charges may apply due to under railway rules that may require payment to proceed with changes.

Technical Error

While there may be changes in the boarding station, you may face technical or system errors. You can try another browser or device and ensure the internet is working. However, you can also seek support on customer help numbers.

What If Online Changes Are Not Possible?

Many reasons may be due to the online changes in boarding stations. Therefore, follow these simple steps to seek the best possible.

Reach the Railway Station Counter

If online changes are not possible, then you can reach the railway ticket counter and seek guidance.

Contact Railway Helpline

You can also contact the railway helpline number to get support. It helps you find the best possible support to make changes at the railway boarding station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I change my boarding station before train travel?

Ans. Yes, you can change your boarding point following eligibility criteria. However, follow the timeline and apply changes before the chart preparation.

Q. How many times is a boarding station change allowed?

Ans. Each ticket holder can change boarding points once after ticket booking. However, you can also change your boarding station while booking your ticket.

Q. Can I board from the original boarding point after changes?

Ans. No, you are not allowed to board from the original boarding point after changes. You may face a penalty and a fare difference once identified.