For the first time, Indian Railways is set to introduce a feature allowing passengers to reschedule confirmed tickets without incurring cancellation fees, a move aimed at easing travel for millions of Indian commuters.
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To enhance flexibility and convenience for train travelers, the Indian Railways is set to introduce a new feature on the IRCTC portal. Passengers will be able to change their travel dates and only pay the extra fare, if any, without paying any cancellation charges, according to Times Now.
At present, passengers are unable to reschedule train tickets, compelling them to cancel their confirmed bookings. Additionally, the Railways impose a substantial cancellation fee, which varies from 25% to 50% of the ticket price based on the travel class and the timing of the cancellation. If a train is missed, no refund is provided, even if the delay is caused by unavoidable circumstances like a late flight, bad weather, or emergencies.
The new feature aims to resolve this issue by allowing passengers to reschedule rather than cancel their trips. Users can log into the IRCTC website or mobile app, access their booked ticket, and select a new travel date or train, depending on seat availability. They will only need to pay any fare difference, if applicable.
This adaptability will particularly help frequent and long-distance travelers who depend majorly on Indian Railways. At present, if a confirmed ticket is canceled within 24 hours before departure, 25% of the fare is lost, and if canceled within four hours of the trip, no refund is provided.
Globally, several countries already offer such flexible travel options. Japan's Rail Pass allows passengers to board multiple trains without rescheduling, while European nations and the UK provide flexible fares that permit changes or refunds within certain deadlines.
With this initiative, Indian Railways is moving toward international standards of passenger convenience. Though an official rollout date hasn't been announced yet, reports suggest the new system could be introduced early next year as part of the Railways' broader modernization drive.
