In a move that could significantly enhance passenger convenience, the Indian Railways is set to introduce a new facility allowing travellers to reschedule their confirmed train tickets without paying any cancellation charges. The upcoming feature, expected to be rolled out soon through the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) portal, will let passengers modify their travel date and only pay the difference in fare, if applicable.
According to a Times Now report, this initiative aims to make train travel across India more flexible, affordable, and passenger-friendly — particularly for those who often face last-minute changes in their travel plans.
A Major Relief for Passengers
Currently, passengers who miss their train are not entitled to any refund. Even in unavoidable situations — such as delayed flights, bad weather, or personal emergencies — the entire fare is forfeited. Moreover, if a confirmed ticket is cancelled before departure, a cancellation fee ranging from 25% to 50% of the ticket cost is deducted depending on the travel class and timing of cancellation. In some cases, passengers lose the full amount.
Under the proposed system, travellers will no longer have to cancel and rebook tickets to alter their travel plans. Instead, they can simply log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app, choose the booked ticket, and modify the journey date or train — provided seats are available. The only cost involved will be the fare difference between the original and new journey.
Bringing Indian Railways Closer to Global Standards
Flexible travel options like this are already common in several countries. In Japan, the Japan Rail Pass allows passengers to board most trains without pre-rescheduling, while many European rail systems offer flexible fares that permit changes or refunds before departure. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, “Anytime” tickets let passengers board any train on their chosen route.
By introducing a comparable feature, Indian Railways is aligning itself with international practices, offering travellers greater control over their journeys and reducing the stress associated with sudden changes.
Part of Indian Railways’ Modernisation Drive
Although an official launch date has not yet been announced, reports suggest the no-cancellation-charge rescheduling feature may go live early next year. The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to modernise services and improve the overall passenger experience.
Once implemented, this system will allow millions of daily and long-distance travellers to modify their plans without worrying about financial loss. The move marks a shift in focus — from penalising passengers for last-minute changes to providing them with flexible, customer-centric solutions.
With this, Indian Railways is poised to make travel across the country more adaptable, convenient, and truly hassle-free.