As part of making train travel more flexible, the Ministry of Railways is set to introduce a new feature that will allow passengers to reschedule confirmed train tickets without paying any cancellation fees. According to Hindustan Times, the Union Railway Minister in an interaction with the media revealed that the government plans to launch the scheme in January 2026 to make train travel more convenient for passengers.
What will the new system offer?
Under the upcoming system, passengers with confirmed tickets will be able to change their travel date online without having to cancel and rebook their tickets. However, the change will depend on the availability of seats and any difference in the fare on the new date.
If there are no places available, the date change will not be processed. If the fare is higher on the new date, passengers will have to pay the difference; if it is less or equal, no extra charge will be made.
How is it different from the current system?
Currently, passengers who want to adjust their travel plans must cancel their tickets and book new ones – often losing part of their fare as a penalty. For example, canceling a confirmed ticket between 48 and 12 hours before departure results in a 25% discount, while cancellations made closer to departure result in a 50% discount.
The new system aims to eliminate these losses from cancellations and give passengers more flexibility.
Who will benefit from the new facility?
Frequent flyers and travelers facing last-minute changes to their plans are expected to benefit the most. The initiative is part of the railways’ wider efforts to digitize services and provide smoother travel.
When will the scheme be implemented?
The rescheduling feature is expected to go live in January 2026, with further implementation and eligibility details to be announced by the Railway Board shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Will passengers have to pay a cancellation fee for rescheduling confirmed tickets?
No, passengers will not have to pay any cancellation fee when changing the date of their confirmed ticket.
Q2. When will this device be available?
The online plan change feature is expected to be available from January 2026.
Q3. Are there any conditions for rescheduling?
Yes, the date change will depend on the availability of seats and any difference in the fare on the new travel date.
Q4. What is the purpose of this new feature?
The new system aims to reduce the hassle of canceling tickets and improve overall passenger comfort.
