- The Vikalp scheme shifts waitlisted passengers to alternate trains on the same route if seats are available
- Passengers can select up to seven alternate trains during or after booking, before charting of tickets
- All passengers under one PNR must be shifted together; partial transfers are not allowed
During Diwali every year, millions of people set out on long train journeys. But getting a confirmed ticket can be a major challenge, as queues build, waitlists stretch, and uncertainty lingers until the very last moment. In that scenario, IRCTC's Vikalp scheme offers a smart backup. If your ticket remains fully waitlisted, you can opt for Vikalp to be shifted to another train on the same route, if seats are available. While it doesn't guarantee confirmation, it boosts your chances and frees you from constantly watching your PNR status. In the festive rush, Vikalp acts as a safety net: a way to reduce stress and increase flexibility as you plan to reach home. Find out more below:
What Is The Vikalp Scheme?
- The Vikalp scheme (Alternate Accommodation Scheme) lets passengers who hold fully waitlisted tickets opt to be shifted to an alternate train on the same route, if available, without paying any extra fare.
- It does not guarantee confirmation; allocation depends entirely on seat availability in the alternate trains at charting time.
- All quotas and concessions are eligible.
- Once shifted, your travel will be on the alternate train; you cannot revert to the original booking.
- The boarding or terminating station might change to a cluster station near your original choice, depending on the alternate train's routing.
Also Read: How Changing Confirmed Train Tickets For Free Could Benefit Millions Of Indians
When Is Vikalp Scheme Applicable?
- You can only opt for Vikalp if your ticket is in a waitlisted status (fully WL) at the time of charting. Those whose tickets get confirmed in the original train are not considered under Vikalp.
- You may choose up to 7 alternate trains in the Vikalp option.
- Between 30 minutes and up to 72 hours from the original train's scheduled departure (as per the IRCTC terms), you may be transferred to a selected alternate train.
- The scheme applies to all classes and train types (Mail/Express).
How To Opt For Vikalp:
1. During booking (or later, before charting):
On the IRCTC website / Rail Connect app, after filling in travel details and passenger info, you'll see an option to "Opt Vikalp / Alternate train". Select up to 7 alternate trains (from among those the system offers) on the same route.
2. After booking / before charting:
If you didn't select Vikalp during initial booking, you may still opt from Booked Ticket History (before charting). The list of alternate trains can be updated, but only once.
After chart preparation (finalisation), if your original ticket remains fully waitlisted, IRCTC will attempt to allocate you to one of the alternate trains you opted for. Check your PNR status (original and alternate trains) after charting to see if you've been confirmed in the alternate train. If allocation is successful, you'll appear in a special, separate list, which is distinct from the original waitlist/confirm charts.
Also Read: How To Book Tatkal Train Tickets In India Without Losing Your Seat In Two Minutes
Vikalp Scheme: Key Rules & Conditions To Note
- Either all passengers under one PNR are moved, or none. Partial transfer is not allowed.
- You pay only the fare of the original booking. Any fare difference, even for a higher class or alternate train, will not be refunded (nor extra collected).
- If, after being allocated a seat on an alternate train, you cancel, normal cancellation rules (for confirmed tickets) apply.
- Once shifted to an alternate train, modifications (date, boarding, destination) are not permitted. You must cancel and rebook if the journey needs to change.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances At A Confirmed Train Ticket
- Select alternate trains strategically: Don't just pick the nearest. Select trains with varied times, even slightly earlier or later, to cast a wider net.
- Update alternates early: Since you get only one chance to update your alternate train list, do it as soon as you see better options.
- Monitor PNR after charting: As soon as the charts are published, check both the original and alternate train's PNR status to know whether your shift succeeded.
- Be flexible with boarding/destination cluster stations: Accept that the assigned alternate train may require you to board or disembark at a nearby station in the "cluster" zone.
- Cancel in time if not allocated: If you are not shifted or still waitlisted, consider cancelling early (before charting) to maximise refund benefits and rebook on other trains.
- Don't rely on Vikalp as a guarantee: Use it as a backup strategy rather than your main plan. If your original train looks promising, don't abandon earlier options prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. If I opt for Vikalp but my original ticket gets confirmed, will I still be shifted to an alternate train?
No. If your original ticket is confirmed, you will not be considered for Vikalp shifting. The scheme applies only to fully waitlisted tickets at charting.
2. Can I partially shift only some passengers in my group (PNR)?
No. IRCTC moves either all passengers under the same PNR or none. You cannot split the group.
3. Will I get any refund if the alternate train fare is lower than the original?
No. The terms clearly state that no refund or extra charge will be made for fare differences. You pay only the original fare.
4. Can I change my boarding station after choosing Vikalp?
No. Once Vikalp is opted for, the boarding station cannot be changed later.
5. What if I don't travel in the alternate train after allocation?
In such cases, you must file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) request for a refund, assuming you did not utilise the allotted alternate train.
