Two distinct concepts:
Source Station (फिक्स्ड)
- The station where the train originates / starts.
- Same for all passengers.
- e.g., Mumbai Central for Mumbai Rajdhani (12951).
Boarding Station (passenger-specific)
- The station where you specifically board.
- Can be the source OR any intermediate halt where you join.
- Listed on your ticket.
- e.g., Vadodara, Surat for Mumbai Rajdhani.
On your ticket:
- "From" / "Source" → train's origin
- "Boarding" → your boarding point
- "To" → your destination (could be train's terminus or earlier)
Why it matters:
- Quota: GNWL applies to source-boarding bookings; PQWL for intermediate-only.
- Boarding station can be changed once before journey (see related FAQ).
- TTE checks ID at boarding station only — late boarding requires explanation.