Attention Rail Passengers! You Can Now Change Your Boarding Point Up to 30 Minutes Prior—But Keep This Important Detail in Mind
Indian Railways: This facility is particularly useful for passengers who initially booked their tickets from one station but later realized that boarding the train from a different station would be more convenient.
Indian Railways: Southern Railway (SR)—one of the 18 operational zones of Indian Railways—has announced via an official press release that, effective April 1, 2026, passengers will have the facility to modify their boarding stations.
From April 1, 2026, passengers will be able to change their boarding stations right up until the preparation of the second or final reservation chart. The objective behind this new initiative by Indian Railways is to enhance passenger convenience and alleviate issues associated with the existing system. Passengers will now be able to modify their boarding stations not only through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) but also via the IRCTC portal.
Travel Just Got Easier
Previously, passengers were required to submit online requests to change their boarding stations at least 24 hours prior to the train’s departure or before the reservation chart was prepared. Once this deadline had passed—regardless of how valid the reason might be—the opportunity to change the boarding point was forfeited. Now, under the new regulations, boarding points can be modified up to 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure; this change will be reflected in the second reservation chart.
This facility is especially beneficial for passengers who initially booked their tickets from a specific station but subsequently realized that boarding the train from an alternative station would be more practical. There could be various reasons for this, such as a sudden change in travel plans or other logistical challenges. By extending the deadline for changing boarding points in this manner, Indian Railways has effectively addressed a long-standing concern among passengers. This facility ensures that passengers do not forfeit their reserved seats or berths simply because they were unable to board the train from their originally selected starting point.
📢 Big update for Railway passengers!
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) April 1, 2026
You can now change your boarding point up to 30 minutes before your train departs — a brand new facility effective from 1st April 2026!
Swipe to know more 👉 and save this post for your next journey! 🔖🚆#SouthernRailway #IndianRailways… pic.twitter.com/ytvoAynUBe
Who Is Eligible for This Facility?
This facility is available only to passengers holding Confirmed or RAC tickets.
Passengers with waitlisted tickets are not eligible for this service.
Passengers may change their boarding point only once.
This request must be submitted before preparing the second reservation chart.
How to Change Your Boarding Station?
First, visit the IRCTC website.
Now, select the ‘Booking History’ option.
Under the ‘Modify’ section, select the ‘Change Boarding Point’ option.
Select your new boarding station and confirm it.
Option to Change at a PRS Counter
Visit your nearest Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter.
Please ensure that you have your ticket and a valid ID with you.
Request to change your boarding station.
Collect your updated ticket.
Please keep in mind that once your boarding point has been changed, you will no longer be able to board the train from your original station. If you are found traveling from the original station, you will be liable to pay a penalty along with the fare for the distance between the original station and your new boarding station.
