New Indian Railways Boarding Station Rules Effective April 2026

Original: Indian Railways’ boarding station change rules 2026 get effective: Eligibility and step-by-step guide

The Indian Express•Apr 1, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

Effective April 1, 2026, Indian Railways has introduced new boarding station rules allowing passengers to change their boarding point up to 30 minutes before departure. This initiative aims to enhance travel flexibility, particularly in major cities with multiple stations, and is available for passengers with confirmed and RAC tickets.

Key Points

01Passengers can change their boarding point up to 30 minutes before train departure.
02The change is applicable only for confirmed and RAC tickets.
03Passengers can modify their boarding point digitally through the IRCTC platform.
04Changes can be made at PRS counters for counter tickets.
05This rule is part of the Ministry of Railways' '52 Reforms in 52 Weeks' initiative.

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Full Summary

Starting April 1, 2026, Indian Railways will allow passengers to change their boarding station up to 30 minutes before their train's scheduled departure. This change is part of the Ministry of Railways' initiative to improve efficiency and service delivery. Passengers traveling with confirmed or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets can utilize this feature, which is especially beneficial in cities with multiple train stations. Previously, changes could only be made before the preparation of the first chart, which is done four hours prior to departure. Now, passengers can make last-minute adjustments to their travel plans without losing their confirmed seats. To change the boarding point, online users can log into their IRCTC account, while those with counter tickets must visit a Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter with their ticket and ID proof. This reform aims to enhance convenience and onboard management for travelers.

Key Figures