Indian Railways to Allow Date Change on Confirmed Tickets Starting January
New system will let passengers modify travel dates online without cancellation fees, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
New Delhi: In a major move to improve passenger convenience, Indian Railways is preparing to roll out a new feature that will allow travelers to change the travel date on their confirmed tickets without having to cancel and rebook.
Speaking to NDTV, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the feature is expected to launch from January 2026, and will be available online without any additional charges.
Currently, if a passenger needs to change their travel date, they must cancel the existing ticket and book a new one — a process that often leads to fare deductions and added hassle, especially if the change is last-minute.
Calling the current system “unfair”, Minister Vaishnaw said the Railways is working to make the ticketing system more flexible and user-friendly. “Instructions have already been issued to implement this passenger-friendly measure,” he added.
What’s the Problem with the Current System?
Under the existing cancellation rules:
- Cancelling a confirmed ticket 12 to 48 hours before departure results in a 25% deduction of the fare.
- The deduction increases the closer the cancellation is to the journey time.
- No refunds are typically given after the reservation chart is prepared, which is usually a few hours before departure.
The upcoming change is expected to eliminate these financial penalties for passengers who only want to change their travel date — not cancel their journey altogether.
What to Expect
While full details of the system are yet to be announced, the Railways is likely to enable this option through its online platforms, including the IRCTC website and mobile app. Passengers will be able to reschedule their journey with ease, possibly choosing from the same class and train or opting for alternatives, subject to availability.
The move is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to modernize and simplify passenger services, making train travel more accessible and customer-focused.
More information is expected as the rollout nears.
