• Source:JND
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IRCTC New Rule: The Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a new passenger-friendly feature that will allow travellers to reschedule their confirmed train tickets without paying cancellation charges. The initiative, expected to be implemented through the IRCTC portal, aims to make train travel more flexible and convenient for millions of passengers.

According to a Times Now report, the upcoming feature will let passengers change their travel date on a confirmed ticket by paying only the difference in fare, if applicable. This means that instead of cancelling a ticket and losing money, travellers can simply choose a new journey date or train, provided seats are available.

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Passengers To Pay Only Fare Difference While Changing Journey Date

The move is being seen as a major step toward making train travel more adaptable, especially for passengers who face sudden changes in their travel plans due to emergencies, delayed flights or adverse weather. Currently, passengers who miss their train or cancel their tickets close to departure receive little to no refund, as per existing rules.

Current Rules Deduct Up To 50% Fare For Last-Minute Cancellations

Under the current system, cancellation charges vary depending on the class of travel and the time of cancellation. For instance, cancelling a confirmed ticket within 24 hours of departure leads to a deduction of around 25 per cent of the fare, while cancelling less than four hours before departure results in no refund.

With the proposed update, passengers will no longer have to worry about losing money when plans change. They can log into the IRCTC website or mobile app, select their existing booking, and choose a new travel date or train option. Only the fare difference will need to be paid.

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Feature Expected To Roll Out Early Next Year Under Railways’ Modernisation Plan

This change aligns with Indian Railways’ broader modernisation goals, which aim to bring its passenger services closer to global standards. The new system is expected to particularly benefit long-distance travellers and daily commuters who rely heavily on train services.

While an official rollout date has not been confirmed, reports suggest that the “no cancellation fee” feature could be introduced early next year. Officials believe the initiative will greatly improve the travel experience by reducing financial losses and providing much-needed flexibility to passengers across India’s vast rail network.