Want confirmed train ticket for Diwali or Chhath Puja? Try IRCTC’s Vikalp Scheme

Booking train tickets during peak festive seasons like Diwali or Chhath Puja is often a daunting task. With tickets getting snapped up well in advance, waiting lists can become long, leaving many unsure if they will be able to celebrate with their families. Some passengers even resort to alternative travel modes, or worse, 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 problem.

Know about IRCTC's Vikalp scheme

The Vikalp scheme gives passengers with waitlisted or RAC tickets a better shot at getting a confirmed seat. This scheme has been introduced by IRCTC. Under this scheme, if someone opts for this service while booking their ticket, the Railways will automatically try to accommodate them on another train running on the same route, if seats are available.

The idea of this scheme is very simple. Instead of cancelling your journey because your ticket didn’t get confirmed, the system looks for empty seats on alternate trains. Additionally, this option comes at no extra cost to the passenger. However, it does not guarantee a confirmed seat; it only improves the chances of getting one.

If successful, passengers may be allotted a seat on a nearby train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of the original train’s departure. Boarding or terminating stations may change to a nearby cluster station.

If successful, passengers may be allotted a seat on a nearby train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of the original train’s departure. Boarding or terminating stations may change to a nearby cluster station.

How can passengers use the Vikalp Scheme?

Log in to the IRCTC website or app.

Begin the ticket booking process and enter your source, destination, and travel date.

If the ticket goes on the waiting list, select the ‘Vikalp’ option, meaning Alternate.

You can select up to seven alternative trains while booking.

During seat allocation, the system will automatically shift you to an alternate train if a seat becomes available.

Once a seat is allocated, your PNR number will be sent to your registered mobile number.

What should passengers keep in mind?

The Vikalp option does not guarantee a confirmed seat, but it significantly improves the chances of travel.

If confirmed on an alternate train and you later cancel, cancellation charges will apply as per the new train’s status.

The scheme applies to all passengers, irrespective of booking quota or concessions.

If the fare of the alternate train is lower than your original ticket, no refund will be issued. However, if you do not travel on the shifted train, you can claim a refund by submitting a TDR.

The Vikalp Scheme aims to make travel more convenient while optimising seat usage during peak travel seasons.