How to Transfer a Confirmed Train Ticket to Another Person: Indian Railways Name Change Rules
Booked a confirmed train ticket but can no longer travel? Under Section 142 of the Railways Act, you do NOT have to cancel and lose cancellation fees. You can legally transfer your confirmed berth directly to your father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, or child. Here is the exact station procedure.
1. Can You Legally Transfer an Indian Railways Ticket?
Yes! Indian Railways Commercial Rule 142 permits a one-time transfer of a confirmed reserved passenger ticket to another person under specific legal conditions.
This provision was established to help families avoid heavy cancellation penalties and lost berths when a family member falls ill or faces an unexpected conflict.
2. Eligible Family Relations (Who Can You Transfer To?)
To prevent black marketing and illegal ticket resale by touts, Indian Railways allows ticket transfer strictly among direct blood relatives and legal spouse:
- Direct Blood Relatives: Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter.
- Spouse: Husband or Wife.
- Government Servants: Government officials traveling on duty can transfer tickets to another government colleague (at least 24 hours prior).
- Marriage Parties: In case of a marriage party booking, transfer can be requested by the head of the party up to 48 hours before departure.
- NCC Cadets & Students: Group leaders can request student or cadet passenger substitutions up to 24 hours before train departure.
3. The Strict 24-Hour Cut-Off Deadline
A transfer request must be physically submitted at the railway station Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) counter at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of the train.
If your train departs at 6:00 PM on Friday, you must complete the transfer at the station reservation office before 6:00 PM on Thursday. Requests submitted inside the 24-hour window will be rejected.
4. Documents Required at the Railway Station Counter
The passenger holding the ticket (or the prospective traveler) must visit the Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) at any major computerized PRS railway station with:
- 1. Printout of the Confirmed E-Ticket or original PRS counter ticket.
- 2. Written Application Letter stating the reason for transfer and details of both passengers.
- 3. Original and Photocopy of Government Photo ID of both passengers (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- 4. Proof of Relationship: Document verifying the blood relationship (e.g. Ration Card, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Family Register showing both names).
5. What Happens After Approval?
The Chief Reservation Supervisor verifies the relationship certificates, accesses the computerized PRS system, and updates the passenger name in the central database.
The CRS then endorses the physical ticket with an official railway station stamp and signature showing the new passenger's name and age. The new passenger can board the train with full legal rights using this stamped ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer an IRCTC e-ticket online from the website or mobile app?
No. Indian Railways rules mandate physical in-person verification of original relationship documents by the Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) to prevent fraudulent online reselling.
Can an RAC or Waitlisted ticket be transferred to a family member?
The name transfer rule is applicable primarily to confirmed (CNF) and RAC tickets. It is generally not entertained for waitlisted tickets as waitlists move automatically via normal cancellations.
Can a ticket transferred once be transferred again to a second person?
No. A ticket can only be transferred ONCE in its lifecycle.