Good news for train passengers! You can get a confirmed seat even with a waitlisted ticket; here is how to apply.

IRCTC Waiting Ticket: If your train ticket is on the waiting list, IRCTC's 'Vikalp' (Alternative Train Accommodation) scheme could be useful for you. Let’s find out how this scheme offers waitlisted passengers a chance to secure a confirmed seat on a different train.

IRCTC Vikalp Scheme: If you travel by train frequently, you are likely familiar with the anxiety of waiting for a ticket to get confirmed. Often, the travel date approaches without the ticket being confirmed, leading to various inconveniences. To address this issue, Indian Railways and IRCTC launched the 'Vikalp' scheme. Under this scheme, if a seat is unavailable on your originally booked train, the Railways attempts to provide you with a seat on another train running on the same route.

What is the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme?

The IRCTC Vikalp scheme is designed specifically for passengers on the waiting list. This means that if your seat is not confirmed on the first train, the Railways can transfer your booking to another train if a seat becomes available. However, this does not guarantee a confirmed seat; it simply offers waitlisted passengers an opportunity to secure one. The best part is that there are no extra charges for this service; you only pay the fare for your original ticket.

How to apply for the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme?

First, log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Search for a train by selecting your travel date, stations, and class of travel.
Enter passenger details and book the ticket.
If the ticket is waitlisted, select the 'Vikalp Scheme' option.
After selecting the option, you will see a list of other trains running on the same route.
You can choose an alternative train according to your convenience.

What are the benefits of the Vikalp Scheme?

Despite having a waitlisted ticket, you get a chance to secure a seat on various other trains running on the same route, which can make your journey easier. If the Railways allocates you a seat on an alternative train, you do not have to pay any extra fare.
The biggest advantage of this is that you do not need to book a new ticket or search for another train at the last minute.
This scheme offers you options for multiple trains simultaneously, significantly increasing the likelihood of getting a confirmed seat based on availability.

Key rules of the option scheme

This facility is available only to passengers holding waitlisted tickets.
The seat transfer process is completed only after the reservation chart is prepared.
All passengers on a single PNR will either be allotted seats on the alternative train together, or none of them will be.
If you are allotted a seat on an alternative train, you cannot travel on the original train.
Once your name appears for the alternative train, it will no longer appear on the waiting list for the original train.

Points to remember

Keep checking your PNR status after the reservation chart is prepared.
If allotted a seat on an alternative train, you must travel on that specific train.
You may be liable to pay charges as per Railway rules if you cancel the ticket.
Opting for this scheme does not guarantee a 100% confirmed ticket.