Need A Confirmed Seat On Diwali And Chhath Puja? IRCTC Vikalp Scheme Will Help You

Booking train tickets, especially during peak festive seasons like Diwali or Chhath Puja, is a challenging task due to the immense demand for travel to hometowns. Train tickets get booked in advance and waiting

lists turn into long queues. In this case, several people worry if they would be able to celebrate the festival with their family or not and look out for alternative travelling modes or worse, they travel without a ticket or a reservation.

If you’re facing a similar issue, well need not to worry anymore as the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a new Vikalp Scheme to help you out.

What is IRCTC’s Vikalp Scheme?
The IRCTC Vikalp Scheme allows passengers with waitlisted (WL) or RAC tickets to opt for an alternate train on the same route, increasing their chances of getting a confirmed seat, though it is not guaranteed.

Through this feature, the Railways search for vacant seats on other trains running on the same route and attempt to provide the passenger with a confirmed ticket. To note, this new feature is free of cost and can be selected during the time of ticket booking.

If successful, passengers may be allocated a seat on a nearby train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of the original train’s departure, and their boarding/terminating station might change to a nearby cluster station.

How To Select IRCTC’s Vikalp Scheme During Booking?
Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC’s official website or App.
Step 2: Proceed with the ticket booking process and enter the source/destination and date.
Step 3: If the ticket goes to the waiting list, select the ‘Vikalp’ option, meaning Alternate.
Step 4: Users can only select up to 7 alternatives while booking the tickets.
Step 5: When the seat allocation process is being done, the system will automatically shift you to an alternative train.
Step 6: Once allocated, the passengers will receive their PNR Number on their registered mobile number.

Points To Note While Using the Vikalp Scheme

• The Vikalp option does not guarantee a confirmed seat, but it significantly improves your chances.
• If you get confirmed in an alternate train and later cancel, the cancellation charges will be as per your new train’s status.
• The scheme applies to all types of train passengers, irrespective of their booking quota or concession.
• If the fare of the alternate train is less than your original train, no refund will be made. Also, if you do not travel in the shifted train, you can claim your refund by taking a TDR.
• The feature enhances travel convenience and ensures optimal use of available seats, particularly during peak travel seasons.