VIKALP Train Scheme : Complete Guide, Meaning & Benefits

VIKALP train in IRCTC is a free Indian Railways scheme that helps passengers with waiting list tickets. If seats are available, you may get a confirmed seat in another train on the same route. It is easy to use, costs nothing extra, and gives you a better chance to travel without waiting for ticket confirmation. 

Getting a waiting list ticket can be disappointing, especially when your journey is important. Therefore, to help passengers, Indian Railways started the VIKALP Train scheme through IRCTC. It gives waiting list passengers a chance to get a confirmed seat in another train if seats are available. This service is free and can make your travel easier. Moreover, if you understand how VIKALP works, its rules, and its benefits, then it can help you use this service in the right way and improve your chances of travelling comfortably. 

What is the VIKALP Train Scheme?

The VIKALP Train Scheme, also called the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme, is a free service offered by IRCTC. It helps passengers who have waiting list tickets. If seats are available in another train on the same route, Indian Railways may give you a confirmed seat in that train.  

VIKALP Scheme at a Glance

How Does the VIKALP Train Scheme Work?

Here is a simple explanation of how the VIKALP Scheme works.

• Choose the VIKALP Option: You can choose the VIKALP Train Scheme option while booking your train ticket through the IRCTC website or app. You can also add or change this option before the final chart is prepared. 

• Select Alternate Trains: You can choose up to seven alternate trains running on the same route. These trains may leave a little earlier or later than your original train. 

• Final Chart Preparation: When the final chart is prepared, Indian Railways checks if your ticket is still on the waiting list. If it is, the system looks for empty seats in your selected alternate trains. 

• Get an Alternate Train: If a seat is available, your ticket is moved to an alternate train automatically. You will receive an SMS with your new train details and updated PNR. 

• Travel in the New Train: If you get an alternate train, you must travel in that train. You cannot travel on your original train after your ticket has been shifted. 

How to choose the VIKALP Train Scheme option on IRCTC?

You can choose the VIKALP option while booking your train ticket or after booking it, as long as the final chart has not been prepared. 

1. During Ticket Booking

1. Log in to your IRCTC account.
2. Enter your journey details and search for trains.
3. Select your train and continue with the booking.
4. On the passenger details page, choose the VIKALP option.
5. Select up to seven alternate trains on the same route. 
6. Complete the payment and book your ticket. 

2. After BookTicket

1. Log in to your IRCTC account.
2. Open Booked Ticket History.
3. Select your waiting list ticket.
4. Click on the VIKALP Train option.
5. Choose up to seven alternate trains before the final chart is prepared. 
6. Save your selection. 

3. Things to Remember

• You can choose the VIKALP option only before the final reservation chart is prepared. 

• The scheme is completely free, and no extra fare is charged.

• After the final chart is prepared, check your PNR status to see if you have been shifted to an alternate train. 

Benefits of the VIKALP Train Scheme

The VIKALP Scheme is useful for passengers whose tickets are on the waiting list. It makes train travel easier and gives you a better chance of getting a confirmed seat. 

• Better Chance of a Confirmed Seat: The scheme checks for empty seats in alternate trains on the same route, which increases your chances of getting a confirmed seat and confirmed tickets. 

• Completely Free: You do not have to pay any extra money to use the VIKALP Scheme. 

• Automatic Seat Allotment: If seats are available, Indian Railways automatically shifts your ticket to an alternate train after the final chart is prepared. 

• No Need to Book Another Ticket: You do not have to cancel your old ticket or book a new one if you are allotted an alternate train.

• Saves Time and Effort: The system does the seat search for you, so you do not have to keep looking for available tickets.

• Easy to Use: You can choose the VIKALP option while booking your ticket or before the final chart is prepared. 

• Travel Without Last-Minute Worry: The scheme helps reduce the stress of travelling with a waiting list ticket.  

• Good Use of Empty Seats: It fills empty seats in other trains, which makes better use of available space. 

• Suitable for Family Travel: If all passengers are on the same PNR, they are shifted together if seats are available, which helps families travel together.

• Simple Booking Process: Passengers can easily select the VIKALP option through the IRCTC website or mobile app.

Important Rules and Guidelines of the VIKALP Scheme

Before choosing the VIKALP Scheme, it is important to understand these rules.

• The VIKALP scheme is available only for selected mail and express trains. 

• Only passengers with waiting list tickets can use this scheme. 

• Your ticket will be considered for an alternate train only if it is still fully waitlisted after the final chart is prepared. 

• The VIKALP scheme is completely free, so you don’t have to pay any extra fare. 

• If the alternate train has a lower fare, no refund will be given. 

• If a group is travelling on one PNR, all members will get the alternate train together or none of them will be shifted. 

• In some cases, your boarding or destination station may change to a nearby station. 

• After the final chart is prepared, check your PNR status to see if an alternate train has been allotted. 

• After the final chart is prepared, check your PNR status to see if an alternate train has been allotted. 

• Once you are allotted an alternate train, your name will not appear on the waiting list of your original train.

• If you cancel your ticket after it becomes confirmed through VIKALP, the normal cancellation rules for confirmed tickets will apply.

• Choosing the VIKALP option increases your chances of getting a confirmed seat, but it does not guarantee one. Seat allotment depends on availability.  

How to Check Your VIKALP Train Status After Charting

After the final reservation chart is prepared, you can check whether you have been allotted an alternate train through the VIKALP Scheme. Moreover, Indian Railways may also send you an SMS with your updated journey details. 

Ways to Check Your VIKALP Status

1. Check on the IRCTC Website

• Log in to your IRCTC account.
• Open Booked Ticket History.
• Select your ticket to see the latest train details.

2. Check Your PNR Status

• You can check your VIKALP status by entering your 10-digit PNR number on the official PNR page or the IRCTC app. 

• Your updated train number, coach, and berth details will be shown if you have been shifted to an alternate train. 

3. Call Railway Enquiry:

• Dial 139 from your mobile phone to check your PNR and train status. 

4. Visit a Railway Station

• You can also visit a railway reservation or enquiry counter and ask for your updated PNR status. 

If you are allotted an alternate train through the VIKALP Train Scheme, your PNR details will be updated with the new train number, coach, and berth information. 

Conclusion

The VIKALP Train Scheme makes train travel easier for passengers who have waiting list tickets. Instead of depending only on cancellations, this service checks for available seats in other trains and provides an alternate travel option when possible. It is a simple, free, and convenient feature of IRCTC that can help passengers plan their journey in a better way. 

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