When you book a Tatkal ticket, it’s usually for urgent or last-minute travel plans. Sometimes, after booking, your travel arrangements may change, and you may wonder:
Can we change the boarding station in a Tatkal ticket?
The simple answer is yes, you can change your boarding station in a Tatkal ticket, but only under certain conditions. Let’s explore how this works and what rules apply.
What Is a Boarding Station?
A boarding station is the station where you plan to board the train. It doesn’t have to be the starting point of the train; it can be any station along the route.
When you book your ticket, whether general or Tatkal, you select your boarding station during the booking process. Sometimes, after booking, you may want to change this boarding station due to personal reasons or changes in your travel plan.
Is It Allowed to Change Boarding Station in Tatkal Tickets?
Yes, It’s Allowed
Indian Railways permits passengers to change their boarding station, even if the ticket is booked under the Tatkal quota. However, there are important conditions to keep in mind.
Rules for Changing Boarding Station in a Tatkal Ticket
1. One-Time Change Only
- You can change your boarding station only once after booking the Tatkal ticket.
2. Time Limit: 24 Hours Before Departure
- You must request the change of boarding station at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train from the original boarding station.
- After this time, the system closes the option to make changes.
3. After Chart Preparation – No Changes Allowed
- Once the reservation chart is prepared (usually about 4 hours before the train departs), you cannot change your boarding station.
4. Tatkal Quota Rules Still Apply
- Even after changing the boarding station, your ticket remains a Tatkal ticket, and all Tatkal rules regarding cancellation and refunds still apply.
How to Change the Boarding Station in a Tatkal Ticket
Step 1: Log in to IRCTC
- Visit the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app using your user credentials.
Step 2: Go to “Booked Ticket History”
- Locate your Tatkal ticket under the “Booked Ticket History” section.
Step 3: Select “Change Boarding Point”
- Find the option to change the boarding station for your ticket.
Step 4: Choose a New Boarding Station
- Select your new boarding station from the available options listed on the train’s route.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
- Once you confirm, your boarding station will be updated in the booking details.
Important Points to Remember
- No Refund for Boarding Point Change:
Changing the boarding station does not affect the fare or offer a partial refund. - Tatkal Booking and Cancellation Rules Stay the Same:
Even if you change the boarding station, your ticket will still follow Tatkal cancellation and refund policies. - No Change in PRS Counter Tickets:
The option to change boarding points is generally available for online IRCTC tickets, not for counter (PRS) tickets unless you visit the reservation counter directly. - Board at the New Station Only:
Once you change your boarding point, you should board from the updated station. If you don’t, and you don’t inform the railways, your seat may be marked as “No Show”, and it can be allocated to someone else on the waiting list.
What Happens If You Don’t Board at the Original Boarding Station?
- If you don’t board at your designated station and fail to change your boarding point in time, your ticket may be marked as “No Show” by the TTE (Traveling Ticket Examiner).
- Your seat can be reallocated, and you may lose your right to travel on that ticket.
- There will be no refund in such cases.
Why You Might Want to Change the Boarding Point on a Tatkal Ticket
- Change in Travel Plans: Sometimes your starting point changes after booking.
- Convenience: You may find it easier to board at another station on the train route.
- Avoid Missing the Train: If you think you won’t reach the original station on time, choosing a later boarding point helps.
Conclusion
Yes, you can change the boarding station on a Tatkal ticket, but you must do it at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time from your originally booked boarding station. After this window, and especially after chart preparation, no changes are allowed.
Make sure to update your boarding point if your plans change, and always board the train at the correct station to avoid issues during your journey. For updated policies, always refer to the IRCTC website or consult Indian Railways customer support.
Also Check:
• Can We Change Boarding Station After Chart Preparation?
• Can I Travel With RLWL Ticket? A Comprehensive Guide
• Can We Travel With a RAC Ticket? A Comprehensive Guide for Train Travelers
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