Indian Railways' Digital Shift Sparks Passenger Concerns Over Journey Date Flexibility

 As Indian Railways accelerates digitally, passenger rights must stay on track

In a move aimed at modernizing operations, Indian Railways has intensified its digital transformation, but not without controversy. Passengers across Kerala and other regions are raising alarms over the removal of the option to change the date of journey (DOJ) on reserved tickets—a facility that was previously available at railway counters.

The Railways' digital push, which prioritizes online bookings and automated systems, has inadvertently curtailed passenger rights, especially for those relying on counter-issued tickets. Earlier, travelers could modify their DOJ by visiting the reservation counter, provided the request was made before the train's departure. However, this flexibility has now been withdrawn, leaving many stranded or forced to cancel and rebook at higher costs.

Railway officials cite system standardization and fraud prevention as key reasons behind the change. Yet, critics argue that the move disproportionately affects senior citizens, rural passengers, and those without access to digital platforms. The lack of public consultation and transparency in implementing this change has further fueled discontent.

Passenger associations are urging the Ministry of Railways to reconsider the decision and restore DOJ modification rights, at least for counter bookings. They emphasize that digital inclusion should not come at the cost of accessibility and fairness.

As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Indian Railways will strike a balance between technological advancement and passenger convenience.