Vikalp is a scheme by Indian Railways called the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS). It is made for passengers with waitlisted tickets. If your ticket does not get confirmed on your original train, the system can give you a confirmed seat on another train running on the same route. This helps more people travel without being left stranded.
How Vikalp Works
If your ticket is in Waitlist (WL) status, you can choose the Vikalp option while booking on IRCTC.
After the reservation chart is prepared, if your ticket is still waitlisted, the system will try to give you a confirmed seat on another Mail or Express train (of the same category) leaving within 12 hours of your original train’s departure.
If you are allotted a seat, your booking is automatically moved to the new train. You must then travel on this alternate train and cannot board the original one.
Key Features and Conditions
- Eligibility: Only for waitlisted e-tickets on certain Mail/Express trains.
- No Extra Charge: You only pay for your original booking.
- No Guarantee: Opting for Vikalp does not ensure a confirmed seat; it depends on availability.
- Automatic Allocation: IRCTC chooses alternate trains and allots seats without manual request.
- Boarding Point Change: Your boarding or destination station may change to a nearby station.
- Cancellation Rules: If allotted a confirmed seat and you cancel, normal cancellation charges apply.
- No Changes Allowed: Once allotted in Vikalp, you cannot modify the booking; you must cancel and rebook.
- Check Status: You must check your PNR after charting to see if you were shifted.
Key Benefits
- Better Chance of Travel: More chances of getting a confirmed seat in peak seasons.
- Convenience: The system finds alternate trains for you automatically.
- No Extra Cost: You pay only your original ticket price.
How to Use Vikalp
- Log in to the IRCTC website or app.
- Enter journey details and proceed to booking.
- If waitlisted, select the Vikalp option.
- Choose up to 7 alternate trains or classes as per your choice.
- After charting, check your PNR for seat allotment in the alternate train.
- If allotted, travel on the new train (original train travel is not allowed).
Important Notes
- Vikalp works best on busy routes and during festive seasons.
- It started as a pilot on Delhi–Lucknow and Delhi–Jammu routes and later expanded.
- Always confirm your status after charting.
- If you do not wish to travel on the allotted alternate train, cancellation charges for confirmed tickets will apply.