For millions of Indian Railways passengers, getting a confirmed seat during peak travel seasons often feels like a matter of luck. To ease this struggle, Indian Railways has introduced a smart solution — the IRCTC Vikalp feature, officially known as the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS). This feature helps waitlisted passengers get confirmed seats on other trains running on the same route, eliminating much of the anxiety that comes with uncertain ticket status.
What Is the IRCTC Vikalp Feature
Vikalp is a free, optional service that automatically shifts passengers with waitlisted tickets to alternate trains with available seats. The alternate train must depart within 12 hours of the original train’s scheduled departure time. Once the reservation chart for the original train is prepared, IRCTC’s system scans for available seats on other mail or express trains along the same route. If it finds one, the system automatically reassigns the passenger to the new train, confirming their travel without any manual effort.
How the Vikalp Feature Works
Passengers can choose the Vikalp option while booking their ticket on the IRCTC website or app. During the process, they can select up to seven alternative trains. Once selected, these preferences can only be updated once. If a ticket remains on the waiting list even after chart preparation, IRCTC will automatically shift the booking to another train with available seats.
Once reassigned, passengers receive an SMS notification with the details of their new train and PNR number before departure. The option is also available through the “Booked Ticket History” link for those who want to activate it later.
Important Details to Remember
While Vikalp improves your chances of getting a confirmed ticket, it does not guarantee one. You may be allotted a seat on a train with a slightly different boarding or destination station, though it will still be close to your original choice.
If your ticket is confirmed under Vikalp, you must travel on the reassigned train and cannot board the original one. Cancellation of a confirmed Vikalp ticket will incur standard charges, and no refund will be issued if the fare on the new train is lower than your original booking.
In case a passenger receives an alternate seat but decides not to travel, they can claim a refund by submitting a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) request.
Why Vikalp Is a Game Changer for Train Travelers
The Vikalp feature has made train travel more flexible and stress-free, particularly for passengers traveling during holidays or festival seasons when trains are often fully booked. It not only reduces the uncertainty of waitlisted tickets but also ensures better utilization of available train capacity.
With this initiative, Indian Railways is taking another step toward making the travel experience smoother, smarter, and more passenger-friendly.
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