Good news for train travelers! Soon, passengers won’t need to cancel their train tickets if their travel plans change.
The Railway Ministry is introducing a new online facility that will allow passengers to change the travel date of confirmed tickets without paying any cancellation charges.
This new feature will be available from January 2026. According to the Railway Minister, the goal is to make train journeys more flexible and convenient for passengers.
What’s Special About the New Facility
Under this new system, passengers can easily reschedule their journey online without canceling the existing ticket.
The change will only be possible if seats are available on the new date.
If the fare has increased, passengers will pay only the difference.
If the fare is the same or lower, there will be no extra charge.
If no seats are available on the chosen date, the rescheduling process will not start.
This means travelers will save both money and time, avoiding the hassle of cancellations and rebooking.
Current System and Its Drawbacks
At present, if passengers want to change their travel plans, they must cancel the ticket and book a new one.
This process includes a cancellation charge:
25% deduction if the ticket is canceled between 48 and 12 hours before departure.
50% deduction if canceled less than 12 hours before departure.
With the new rule, these deductions will no longer apply, making train travel more cost-effective and flexible.
Who Will Benefit the Most
This feature will be most useful for frequent travelers and those whose plans often change at the last moment.
It’s part of Indian Railways’ broader goal to improve digital services and ensure a smooth, hassle-free travel experience for passengers.
When and How to Use the New Feature
The new facility will officially start in January 2026. Detailed guidelines and eligibility rules will soon be available on the IRCTC website and the Railway Ministry portal.
Here’s how passengers will be able to use it:
Login to the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Choose the option “Reschedule Journey Date.”
Select the new travel date and train.
If seats are available, rescheduling will happen instantly.
If the new fare is higher, pay only the difference.
A Step Toward Digital India
This initiative supports the Digital India Mission. It will save passengers from refund delays, cancellation hassles, and unnecessary deductions.
With this, the Railways aims to make train travel as flexible and smart as air travel in the coming years.
