Booking train tickets during peak festive seasons like Diwali or Chhath Puja is often a daunting task. As tickets are snapped up well in advance, waiting lists can get long, leaving many unsure if they will be able to celebrate with their families. Some passengers even use alternative means of travel, in the worst case they travel without a confirmed ticket.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a new feature known as the Vikalp scheme to address this issue.
Know about IRCTC Vikalp Scheme
The Vikalp system gives passengers with waitlisted tickets or RAC tickets a better chance of getting a confirmed seat. This scheme was introduced by IRCTC. Under this scheme, if someone opts for this service while booking a ticket, the railways will automatically try to accommodate him in another train running on the same route if seats are available.
The idea behind this scheme is very simple. Instead of canceling your trip because your ticket was not confirmed, the system searches for empty seats on replacement trains. In addition, this option is free for passengers. However, it does not guarantee a confirmed place; it just increases the chances of getting one.
If successful, passengers may be assigned a seat on a nearby train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of the train’s original departure. The source or end stations can change to a nearby cluster station.
If successful, passengers may be assigned a seat on a nearby train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of the train’s original departure. The source or end stations can change to a nearby cluster station.
How can travelers use the Vikalp program?
Log in to the IRCTC website or app.
Start the flight booking process and enter your source, destination and date of travel.
If the ticket is waitlisted then select ‘Vikalp’ which means Alternate.
You can choose up to seven alternative trains when booking.
During seat allocation, the system will automatically transfer you to a replacement train if a seat is available.
After seat allotment, your PNR number will be sent to your registered mobile number.
What should travelers remember?
The Vikalp option does not guarantee a confirmed seat, but greatly increases the chances of travel.
If it is confirmed on the replacement train and you later cancel, cancellation fees will be charged according to the status of the new train.
The system applies to all passengers regardless of reservation quotas or concessions.
If the replacement train fare is lower than your original ticket, no refund will be made. However, if you do not take the rescheduled train, you can apply for a refund by submitting the TDR.
The goal of the Vikalp program is to facilitate travel while optimizing seat utilization during peak travel seasons.
