Indian Railways to Allow Boarding Station Change Minutes Before Departure

Delhi: In a major relief for train travellers, Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a new system that will allow passengers to modify their boarding station shortly before their train departs. The move is expected to reduce inconvenience caused by sudden travel plan changes and missed boarding points.

The facility will first be introduced as a pilot project on selected trains. If successful, it could later be expanded across the railway network.

Change Allowed Closer to Departure Time

Under the proposed system, passengers will be able to update their boarding station much closer to departure than currently permitted. At present, changes must be made well in advance, and once the first reservation chart is prepared, modifications become difficult or impossible.

With the new arrangement, passengers may be allowed to switch their boarding point between 30 minutes and even 5 minutes before departure in certain cases. For premium services such as Vande Bharat Express, the window could remain open until around 15 minutes before departure.

This will be particularly helpful for travellers stuck in traffic, delayed due to connecting transport, or facing last-minute scheduling changes.

Software Upgrade Underway

To enable this flexibility, the Railway Board has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to modify the reservation and chart preparation software.

The changes will ensure that even after the first reservation chart is generated, passengers can still update their boarding station until the second chart is finalised. Currently, once the first chart is prepared—often several hours before departure—the option to modify boarding details becomes restricted.

By adjusting the digital system, railway authorities aim to provide more control to passengers while maintaining operational efficiency.

Pilot on Long-Distance Routes First

According to officials, the initial rollout will focus on long-distance trains, where travel uncertainties are more common. Passengers on such routes often face unpredictable delays due to road traffic or intercity transfers.

The new facility is expected to reduce the number of no-show passengers and improve seat utilisation. Railway authorities believe this reform will make ticket management more efficient and enhance passenger satisfaction.

If the trial phase proves successful, the facility could soon be extended to most trains across the country, marking another step toward digital modernisation in Indian Railways.