What Is Vikalp Scheme? How Will You Get Train Tickets Under This Scheme?

Soon you don't need to worry about the unavailability of train tickets. By using Vikalp scheme wait-listed passengers can avail the opportunity of travelling in Rajdhani, Shatabdi or other premium/special trains even if they have booked tickets in other mail/express trains for the same destinations. This service can be availed without giving any extra cost.

The Vikalp scheme aims to utilize vacant berths in many premier trains in all the main routes. The scheme is being launched on the pilot basis on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sector only. The scheme is implemented only across Mail/Express trains of the same category. Here are all things you need to know about the new Vikalp Scheme:

What is Vikalp?

Under the Vikalp waitlisted passengers can get confirmed accommodation in next alternative train if they opt for the option while booking their tickets online.

To whom it is applicable?

The scheme applies to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking quota and concession. In the pilot phase, the scheme will be available on few pre-designated trains in Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sector only.

No extra charges

No extra charges shall be taken from the passenger, or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare. Either all passengers of a PNR or none will be transferred to alternate train in the same class. The passenger can be considered for shifting to a train leaving from any station amongst the cluster of stations defined by Railways based on the convenience of the passengers to a station serving the destination station on the same analogy.

Refund

No refund for the difference in fare between the original train and the alternate train, including Tatkal charges, will be given to re-allocated passengers.

Tickets in alternate train

The VIKALP opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternate train will not figure in the waitlisted charts of their original train. A separate list of passengers transferred in alternate train will be pasted along with the CONFIRMED and WAITLIST charts.

For modified journeys

Once a VIKALP opted passenger has been allotted alternate accommodation, journey modification will not be permitted. If required, the passenger will have to cancel the ticket and book a fresh ticket for modified journey.

Eligibility for up gradation

The passenger allotted alternate accommodation can travel in the alternate train on the authority of original ticket. Wait listed passengers of the original train shall not be allowed to board the original train if allotted alternate accommodation. Passengers once provided alternate accommodation in alternate train will be treated as normal passengers in alternate train and will be eligible for up gradation.

Check PNR status always

In rare situations, passengers who have been provided alternate accommodation might get dropped/re-allotted in the alternate train due to last minute change in the composition of the alternate train at the time of chart preparation. So, passengers who have been provided alternate accommodation should check PNR status also after preparation of charts of the alternate train for final status.

Refund through TDR

When a passenger who has been allotted alternate accommodation has not performed his journey in the alternate train, he can claim for refunds by filing a TDR request.

How to cancel alternate accommodation?

When VIKALP opted passenger opts to cancel after he has been given an alternate accommodation, he will be treated as a CONFIRMED passenger and the cancellation rules will apply accordingly.

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