Indian Railways to introduce option for passengers to change travel dates on confirmed tickets
New Delhi: In a significant shift aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, Indian Railways is working on a proposal to allow passengers to modify their travel dates even after they have obtained a confirmed ticket.
“Starting January, passengers can change the travel date of their confirmed train tickets online without any fee,” NDTV quoted Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as saying.
At present, passengers who wish to change their travel date are required to cancel their existing ticket and purchase a new one, which often results in fare deductions depending on the timing of the cancellation. The process is not only expensive but also inconvenient.
Calling the existing system “unfair,” Vaishnaw emphasised the need for more flexible options. He confirmed that instructions have been issued to implement the new, passenger-friendly changes.
Under the current cancellation rules, passengers are charged a percentage of the fare based on the timing of the cancellation. For example, cancelling a confirmed ticket between 48 and 12 hours before departure results in a 25% deduction. The fee increases for cancellations made closer to the departure time.
Once the reservation chart is prepared, refunds for cancellations are generally not granted.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
