Good News for Rail Passengers: Boarding point change may soon be allowed till second reservation chart

In a major relief for rail passengers, Indian Railways is considering extending the deadline for changing the boarding point of reserved tickets up to the preparation of the second reservation chart.

What is the current rule?

Currently, passengers are allowed to change their boarding station only until the first reservation chart is prepared—typically 10 to 20 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. After the first chart is generated, no further modifications to the boarding station are permitted.

What has been proposed?

However, in view of the revised timing of preparation of the first reservation chart and to make the facility more convenient for travellers, the Railway Board has proposed allowing changes until the second reservation chart is prepared.

This would enable passengers to modify their boarding point as late as 30 minutes to 5 minutes before train departure. In the case of premium trains such as Vande Bharat, the change may be allowed up to 15 minutes before departure. This would significantly enhance flexibility for travellers.

How will passengers benefit?

The proposed change could offer several advantages:

• Greater convenience in case of last-minute changes in plans
• Reduced the need to cancel tickets
• More flexibility and ease of travel

In a letter dated February 19, 2026, the Railway Board said that the proposal follows earlier instructions issued under Commercial Circular (CC) 17 of 2019, which had extended the facility of change of boarding point to passengers who had purchased reserved tickets from a particular station but wished to board from another en route station. However, the facility remained restricted to the preparation of the first reservation chart.

"Instructions were issued vide CC 17 of 2019 (copy enclosed) to extend the facility of change of boarding point to passengers who have purchased tickets and reserved the accommodation thereon from a particular station but desire to entrain and occupy the accommodation from another station enroute. This facility is, however, available upto preparation of the first reservation charts," the letter read.

CRIS asked to examine technical feasibility

To move forward with the new proposal, the Railway Board has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to examine its technical feasibility and submit comments at the earliest. The final decision will be taken after reviewing CRIS’s report.

If approved, the move is expected to provide significant relief to passengers facing last-minute changes in travel plans. It would help reduce unnecessary cancellations and offer greater flexibility and convenience to travellers.

Decision still pending

The proposal is currently under review. The Railway Board will take a final decision after receiving the feasibility report from CRIS. If cleared, the new system could be implemented soon.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding change of boarding point:

1) What is the proposed change by the Indian Railways?

Passengers may be allowed to change their boarding point until the second reservation chart is prepared.

2) What is the current rule for the boarding station change?

Changes are allowed only until the first reservation chart, usually 10–20 hours before departure.

3) How late can changes be made under the proposal?

Up to 30–5 minutes before departure; for Vande Bharat, up to 15 minutes prior.

4) How will passengers benefit?

More flexibility, fewer cancellations, and greater convenience for last-minute plan changes.

5) Is the rule in effect?

No. The proposal is under review, pending CRIS’s feasibility report.