Can We Change Boarding Station After Chart Preparation? Complete Guide

The boarding station is the point from which you officially start your train journey. It may be different from the originating station of the train. When booking tickets on IRCTC, you can select a boarding point according to your convenience.

Why Passengers Want to Change Boarding Points

• Sudden change in travel plans
  
  
• Reaching a different city earlier

Avoiding long waits at the origin station

Choosing a station closer to home or the workplace

Can We Change Boarding Station After Chart Preparation ?

IRCTC Rules About Boarding Point Change

Indian Railways allows passengers to change their boarding station only once at the time of booking or later through the IRCTC website/app. However, this facility is only available before chart preparation.

Limitations After Chart Preparation

Once the final reservation chart is prepared (usually 4 hours before train departure), you cannot change the boarding point online or offline.

Boarding Without Change Request – What Happens?

If you board the train from a different station without updating your boarding point:

• Your seat will still be reserved, but the TTE may mark you absent at the original boarding station.
  
  
• If someone is on the waiting list, your seat could be allotted to them.

You might face penalties or be treated as a ticketless traveler if you board later without approval.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Boarding Station in the IRCTC App

Before Chart Preparation – Detailed Guide

1. Open the IRCTC Rail Connect App.
   
   
2. Go to “Booked Ticket History.”
   
   
3. Select the ticket for which you want to change the boarding.
   
   
4. Click on “Change Boarding Point.”
   
   
5. Choose the new boarding station from the list.

Confirm your request.

Note: This option is available only once per ticket and must be done before charting.

Restrictions After Chart Preparation

• The option disappears from the app.
  
  
• You must board from the original boarding station.
  
  
• Any attempt to board later without TTE’s permission may be treated as traveling without a valid ticket.

Can I Board the Train From Next Station After Chart Preparation?

Official Rule Explained

Technically, you are required to board from the station you selected. After chart preparation, the system locks your boarding point.

Penalties and Risks

• You may be fined by the TTE.
  
  
• Your seat could be given to a waitlisted passenger.
  
  
• You risk losing the full fare paid.

Alternatives If You Miss the Boarding Point Change Window

Contacting TTE on Train

If you must board from a different station, try speaking to the Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) on the train. Sometimes they may allow boarding if your seat hasn’t been allotted to someone else.

Using a General Ticket to Board

Another option is to buy a general ticket from the station where you want to board and then approach the TTE to regularize your reserved ticket.

IRCTC Guidelines for Boarding Point Change

Time Limit for Changing Boarding Station

• Change can be made only once.

Must be done before chart preparation.

Exceptions and Special Cases

• Tatkal tickets usually do not allow a boarding point change.
  
  
• Group bookings may have stricter rules.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can we change the boarding station after chart preparation?
❌ No, Indian Railways does not allow boarding station changes after chart preparation.

2. Can I change the boarding station in IRCTC app?
✅ Yes, but only once and before chart preparation.

3. What happens if I board from a different station without changing?
You may face penalties, and your seat could be given to someone on the waiting list.

4. Can I board from the next station after chart preparation?
You can try, but it’s risky without TTE’s approval.

5. How many times can I change the boarding station in IRCTC?
Only once per booking.

6. Is a boarding point change allowed in Tatkal tickets?
No, Tatkal tickets usually don’t allow a boarding point change.

Changing the boarding station is possible only before chart preparation using the IRCTC website or app. After the chart is made, you cannot change it officially. If you still need to board from a different station, talk to the TTE or purchase a general ticket to avoid penalties.

To ensure a hassle-free journey, always plan your boarding point and update it in IRCTC well before chart preparation.