New Delhi: Travelling by train in India is set to become more convenient than ever as Indian Railways rolls out a series of passenger-friendly reforms, including simpler refunds and more flexible ticket options.
Announcing the changes, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the reforms are part of a broader push to modernize the railway network and enhance the overall travel experience.
Under the new cancellation policy, passengers cancelling tickets up to 72 hours in advance will get the maximum refund. Cancellations made 24 hours before departure will attract a 25% deduction, while those within 8 hours will incur a 50% charge. No refund will be issued for cancellations made less than 8 hours before departure—aimed at reducing last-minute cancellations and improving seat availability.
In a major relief for travelers, passengers can now upgrade their travel class and even change their boarding point up to 30 minutes before departure—offering greater flexibility compared to earlier rules that required changes before chart preparation. Boarding from nearby stations will also be allowed, benefiting passengers in busy urban areas.
To make ticket booking more secure and efficient, the Railways has introduced an anti-bot system and cancelled nearly 3 crore suspicious user IDs.
With these sweeping changes, Indian Railways is set to deliver a smoother, smarter, and more passenger-friendly travel experience.
