Last-Minute Train Tickets? Here’s How the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme Can Help

IRCTC Vikalp Scheme: The festive season has started and with that people across the country are rushing to go back to their homes. As the demand is rising, securing a confirmed ticket has become challenging.

To ease this, Indian Railways ( IRCTC ) has introduced the Vikalp Scheme this Diwali , offering relief to passengers with waitlisted tickets. This scheme increases travelers’ chances of securing confirmed seats on alternative trains, making holiday travel a bit smoother.

All About IRCTC Vikalp scheme

The Vikalp Scheme, introduced by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is designed to provide relief to passengers who have waitlisted tickets. Under this scheme, passengers who cannot secure a confirmed seat on their original train can opt for alternative trains on the same route at no additional cost.

How Does the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme Work?

When a traveler opts for the Vikalp Scheme during booking, their ticket may be transferred to another train departing within 12 hours of the original schedule. If a seat becomes available, the ticket will automatically be confirmed. It’s important for passengers to note that once reallocated, they cannot travel on their initially selected train.

Standard cancellation charges will apply if the confirmed ticket is subsequently cancelled.

Vikalp scheme: How to book tickets?

• Log in to the IRCTC website or app
• Enter travel details and proceed to payment.
• Select the Vikalp option.
• Pick an available alternate train from the list of options.
• Check PNR status after the chart is prepared for confirmation.

Vikalp Scheme Benefits

1. Availability: Vikalp Scheme is available only for Mail and Express trains and is for waitlisted passengers only.
2. No Extra Charges: There is no additional charge for opting Vikalp.
3. Automatic Consideration: Passengers opting for Vikalp are automatically considered for other trains.
4. Non-Transferable: Once transferred to another train, passengers can’t board the original train.

During Diwali , travelers face stress due to waitlisted tickets. Vikalp Scheme provides relief by increasing the chances of confirmed seats.