Can We Change Boarding Point After Chart Preparation?
In the context of train travel in India, one of the common questions passengers often have is whether it is possible to change the boarding point after the chart preparation for their train journey. The chart preparation is a crucial step in the ticketing process, as it determines the seating arrangements and the allocation of berths to passengers.
To answer this question, it’s important to understand the process of chart preparation and the rules surrounding changes to the boarding point after this stage.
1. What is Chart Preparation?
Chart preparation refers to the process where the Indian Railways prepares the final reservation chart for a particular train, which happens a few hours before the scheduled departure time. This chart allocates specific seats and berths to passengers based on their reservations. The chart is displayed at the station and is also available to the train’s staff.
Typically, chart preparation happens:
- For General Quota: Around 4 hours before the train’s departure.
- For Premium/Online Bookings: The chart may be prepared earlier if there are a lot of online bookings.
Once the chart is prepared, the seats or berths for the passengers are confirmed, and any further changes to the reservations become more complicated.
2. Can You Change Boarding Point After Chart Preparation?
In general, changing the boarding point after the chart preparation is not allowed in most cases. The reason for this is that the chart preparation locks in the seat or berth allocation based on the boarding point mentioned during the booking. After the chart is prepared, all the seats and berths are already assigned, and the available seating arrangements cannot be easily modified.
2.1 Can You Change Boarding Point Before Chart Preparation?
- Yes, you can request a change in the boarding point before the chart preparation. This is possible by either approaching the reservation counter at the station or doing it online through the IRCTC website/app. If done before the chart is prepared, the system will adjust the reservation and assign a seat or berth accordingly.
2.2 Exceptions After Chart Preparation
In some exceptional cases, such as:
- Emergency situations (medical emergency or family emergencies),
- Special permissions granted by railway authorities at the station,
It may be possible to make changes to the boarding point, but this is subject to the discretion of the Station Master and railway authorities.
2.3 Ticket Validity and Boarding Point
If a passenger changes their boarding point after the chart has been prepared, the original ticket becomes invalid for the new boarding point because the reservation chart will not reflect the new location. In such cases:
- The passenger might be required to cancel the original ticket and book a new one from the new boarding point (depending on the availability of seats).
- Alternatively, if the change is allowed by the railway staff, passengers may be asked to stand by at the new boarding point, but the seat or berth may not be guaranteed.
3. What to Do If You Missed Your Boarding Point?
If you miss your boarding point and the train has already departed, there are a few options:
- Contact the Train Guard or Ticket Collector: Sometimes, if you are nearby, the Train Guard or Ticket Collector may allow you to board the train from the nearest station where the train stops, but this is highly dependent on the situation and the discretion of the train staff.
- Board from the Next Station: If you have missed your station, you can board from the next station that the train halts at. However, this will likely require you to inform the ticket checker and pay any necessary penalties.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, changing the boarding point after chart preparation is generally not allowed by Indian Railways. The chart preparation process assigns specific seats or berths, and any changes after this point can create logistical issues. However, if there is a genuine need (such as an emergency), passengers may be able to make a change through station authorities.
If you anticipate needing to change your boarding point, it is always best to make the change before the chart is prepared. Otherwise, passengers are advised to be mindful of their boarding point and arrive at the station in time for their scheduled departure.
Also Check:
• Can I Change Boarding Station After Chart Preparation
• Can We Travel With a PQWL Ticket?
