Indian Railways to allow changing dates of booked tickets via IRCTC online facility from January 2026

In a landmark step towards passenger convenience, the Indian Railways is preparing to launch an online system that will allow passengers to change the date of their confirmed train tickets without having to cancel and rebook.

The service, set to begin in January 2026, will let travellers reschedule journeys directly through the IRCTC platform.

Major Relief for Passengers Facing Last-Minute Changes

Until now, passengers had no option but to cancel their ticket and buy a new one if their travel plans changed. This often meant losing a significant portion of the fare as cancellation charges, depending on how close to departure the cancellation occurred.

Under current rules, cancellations made 48 to 12 hours before departure attract a 25 per cent deduction, and the amount increases further if done within 12 to 4 hours of travel. No refunds are issued once the reservation chart is prepared.

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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking to NDTV, described the existing procedure as “unfair and not in the interest of passengers.” He said the upcoming facility will simplify the process while saving passengers both money and time.

How the New System Will Work

According to ministry officials, passengers will soon be able to log in to the IRCTC portal or mobile app to change the date of their confirmed tickets.

The system will operate in real time and link directly with the central reservation database. While seat availability on the new date will determine whether the ticket can be confirmed, travellers will be required to pay the fare difference if the new journey costs more.

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Reports indicated that the 48-hour advance rule for date changes, currently applicable at physical ticket counters, is likely to remain in place for the online system as well. By moving the process online, officials expect a sharp reduction in crowds at reservation counters and a faster, paperless ticket management experience.