Want to change your train boarding station? Know these rules
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers its users the facility to change boarding station ahead of their planned train journey. The option can be exercised 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the train. However, once the reservation chart is prepared, no change in boarding station is entertained. If you wish to change your boarding station, know these rules.
Rules about cancellation, refund, and Vikalp bookings
If the train boarding station is changed within 24 hours of the scheduled departure of the train, no refund shall be granted on cancellation. However, in situations such as cancellation of train, non-attachment of coach, train running late by more than three hours - normal refund rules are applicable. Meanwhile, boarding station change facility is not allowed for tickets booked via Vikalp option.
What is the 'Vikalp' scheme
The Indian Railways' Vikalp scheme is a facility for waitlisted passengers to get confirmed berth in an alternate train, running within 72 hours of the scheduled departure of the original train.
Rules about follow-up and penalty
If boarding station was changed at the time of booking, then passengers can change it one more time from the 'Booked Ticket History' section of the IRCTC website/mobile app. Also, if a passenger chooses to change their boarding station, they immediately lose the right to board the train from the original boarding station. If found traveling in this manner, a penalty might be levied.
