How to Change Boarding Stations in IRCTC?

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient and popular modes of transportation in India. The Indian Railways network is vast, connecting even the most remote parts of the country. Booking a train ticket through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a simple and convenient process. However, travel plans can change, and you may need to board your train from a different station than initially planned. Fortunately, IRCTC allows passengers to change their boarding points, offering flexibility to accommodate such changes. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about changing your boarding point in IRCTC. We will walk you through the step-by-step process to book train tickets and change boarding stations on IRCTC..

What is a Boarding Point?

A boarding point is the station where you intend to board the train. When booking a ticket on IRCTC, you are required to select both your departure and arrival stations. The departure station is your boarding point. However, there may be instances when you need to change this point due to unexpected circumstances or a change in your travel itinerary. For example, if you booked your ticket from Delhi to Jaipur and you want to board a train from Delhi, but later decide to board from a station closer to your location, such as Ghaziabad, you can change your boarding point through IRCTC.

Why Would You Need to Change Your Boarding Point?

There are several reasons why you might need to change your boarding point:

Change in Travel Plans: Your travel plans may change, requiring you to board the train from a different station.
Proximity to a Different Station: You might find that another station is closer to your location than the one originally selected.
Time Constraints: Boarding from a different station might save you time or avoid traffic, especially in large cities.
Accessibility: Some stations may offer better facilities or be more accessible for people with disabilities.
Weather Conditions: In case of adverse weather conditions, you may prefer to board from a station that’s easier to reach.

Whatever the reason, IRCTC provides an option to change your boarding point without having to cancel your ticket or make a new booking.

How to Select a Boarding Station in IRCTC?

Step 1: Login to IRCTC website or application by entering your username and password.

Step 2: Enter journey date and class of travel

Step 3: Click on the Search button. A list of trains will be displayed on the screen.

Step 4: Choose the desired train and click on the Book Now button.

Step 5: Click on the drop down arrow button under the boarding station page.

Step 6: A list of boarding stations for the desired train will be displayed on the screen.

Step 7: The selected boarding station will be displayed in the passenger details section.

How to Change the Boarding Station in IRCTC?

Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website or application.

Step 2: Enter username and password to login IRCTC account.

Step 3: Click on the My Account option displayed on the screen.

Step 4: Click on the My Transactions from the drop down menu.

Step 5: Select the Booked Ticket History.

Step 6: Choose the ticket for which you want to change the boarding point.

Step 7: Click on the Change Boarding Point option displayed on the screen.

Step 8: A pop will appear consisting of names of the boarding stations between the desired train route.

Step 9: Choose the desired boarding station you want to change.

Step 10: Once you select the boarding station, it will ask for confirmation. Click on the OK button to confirm the change of boarding station.

Step 11: A message will be sent showing successful change in the boarding station on your mobile phone registered during the train ticket booking process.

Rules and Regulations for Changing Boarding Points in IRCTC

Before you proceed with changing your boarding point, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations set by IRCTC:

Change Allowed Once: You can only change the boarding point once for a particular journey.
Time Frame: The change must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train from the original boarding point.
Availability: The new boarding point must be on the same route as your original booking. There must be a scheduled halt for the train.
PNR Status: You can only change the boarding point if your ticket is confirmed or in the RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status. Waitlisted passengers cannot change their boarding point. Boarding point change is not applicable for I-ticket.

Important Tips for Changing Boarding Points

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when changing your boarding point in IRCTC:

Plan Ahead: Since the change must be made at least 24 hours before the train’s departure, plan ahead to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Check Train Schedule: Make sure that the train stops at your new boarding point. Not all trains halt at every station on the route.
Be on Time: Arrive at the new boarding station well before the train’s scheduled arrival time to avoid missing the train.
Carry Valid ID: Carry the same ID proof used at the time of booking when boarding the train. The TTE may ask for it.
Use the IRCTC App: The IRCTC mobile app is user-friendly and allows you to change the boarding point on the go, which is convenient if you’re travelling.
Group Bookings: If you’re travelling in a group, discuss the boarding point change with all members to avoid confusion.
Keep an Eye on PNR Status: If your PNR status changes to “Waitlisted” after booking, you won’t be able to change the boarding point.

Conclusion

Changing the boarding point in IRCTC is a useful feature that offers flexibility for passengers. Whether your travel plans have changed or you simply prefer to board from a different station, the process is straightforward and can be done online with ease. By understanding the rules, planning ahead, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

IRCTC’s user-friendly interface and the ability to change boarding points make train travel in India more adaptable to the needs of passengers. The next time you book a train ticket and need to alter your boarding plans, you’ll be well-prepared to make the necessary changes without any hassle.