IRCTC VIKALP Scheme: The festive season has begun, and while many of you might have already packed your bags for the holidays, some may still be struggling to get train tickets. Every year, there is a surge in the number of train passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivities. Some people easily get confirmed tickets, while others remain stuck on the waiting list, and this cycle continues. If you are also facing difficulties in booking train tickets, the Vikalp Scheme by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has got you covered.
About IRCTC VIKALP Scheme
VIKALP is an initiative launched by the IRCTC, which provides an alternative train option for passengers, if they are notable to get confirmed seats with their original booking. This scheme is implemented for passengers of all train types and classes. It is applicable to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking quota and concession. Interestingly, through this scheme, the passengers can opt maximum seven trains. Once confirmed in alternate train, the cancellation charges will be applied as per your berth/train status in alternate train. While, boarding and terminating station of passengers might change to nearby stations. Train list once selected under VIKALP scheme can be updated only once. Also, no additional charges will be taken from the passenger for opting the scheme.
Key points to note about VIKALP Scheme
The passenger can be transferred to any alternate train opted and departing between 30 minutes to 72 Hours from the scheduled departure of original train, in which they have booked. The VIKALP opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternate train will not figure in the wait listed charts of their original train. A separate list of passengers transferred in alternate train will be pasted along with the CONFIRMED and WAITLIST charts. Passengers who are provided with alternate accommodation will be treated as normal passengers in the alternate train and they will be eligible for up gradation.
If a passenger chooses to cancel the Vikalp option, the standard cancellation rules will apply. The Vikalp scheme option is also available at a later stage before chart preparation, accessible through the booked ticket history link. For the final status, passengers who have been allocated alternate accommodation should check their PNR status again after the preparation of the charts for the alternate train.
Important Note
While it may seem an alternate option, IRCTC cautions that opting for VIKALP does not mean that confirmed berth will be provided to passengers in alternate train. It is subject to train and berth availability.
