Boarding Must Be Done From the Station Where the Ticket Was Purchased:

Balasahana Suresh
Many train travelers in india are often confused about boarding rules, especially when they plan to board from a station other than the one printed on their ticket. indian Railways has clear regulations regarding this, and violating them can lead to fines or even cancellation of travel.

1. The Basic Rule

· Indian Railways tickets are valid only from the station mentioned on the ticket.

· Boarding from a different station without proper permission is not allowed.

· If a passenger boards from a different station, the ticket may be considered invalid, and the traveler may have to pay a fine or full fare.

This rule is especially important for reserved tickets, as the reservation is tied to a specific train, coach, and boarding station.

2. Why This Rule Exists

1. Reservation Management: Reserved tickets are allocated based on the number of passengers boarding from each station. Boarding elsewhere can disrupt seat allocation.

2. Security & Tracking: Tickets help railways track passenger flow and maintain security.

3. Fare Calculation: Fares are calculated from the boarding station to the destination. Boarding from a different station without permission may underpay or overpay the fare.

3. Exceptions

· Partial Cancellation or Change of Boarding Station:
Some tickets can be modified before the train departs to allow boarding from a different station. This usually involves changing the boarding station online or at the railway counter.

· Unreserved Tickets:
Passengers traveling on unreserved tickets may board from any station along the train’s route, as these tickets are not tied to a specific boarding point.

4. Rules for Special Cases

Scenario

Rule / Action Required

Boarding from a later station on a reserved ticket

Must inform railway staff and get permission; may incur additional charges

Train cancellation or diversion

Ticket may be honored from the nearest available station

Tatkal ticket misuse

Strict penalties if boarding station is changed

5. How to Change Boarding Station

1. Online: Through the irctc website or app before the train departs.

2. Railway Counter: Visit the reservation counter to request boarding station modification.

3. Charges: Additional charges may apply depending on distance and fare difference.

Always plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues at the station.

6. Conclusion

Passengers must board from the station printed on their reserved ticket. Any deviation without permission can lead to penalties or ticket cancellation. indian Railways allows changes to boarding stations before departure, but travelers must follow official procedures to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Official Reference: Indian Railways Ticket Rules

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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