The Ministry of Railways has announced the scaling up of a new reservation system called 'Vikalp', or alternate train accommodation scheme (ATAS), from April 1, 2017. Under the 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 - at no extra cost. The Vikalp scheme aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains in all major routes. Currently, Railways is running the scheme on a pilot basis on some routes.
Here are 10 things to know about the Vikalp scheme:
1) The Vikalp scheme will be initially available for e-tickets only.
2) Under this scheme, wait-listed passengers will be given a choice to opt for the Vikalp scheme.
3) Vikalp-opted passengers who remain fully wait-listed after charting will only be considered for allotment in the alternate train.
4) No extra charges will be taken from passenger or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare.
5) Passengers once provided alternate accommodation in alternate train will be treated as normal passengers in alternate train and will be eligible for upgradation.
6) The Railways said that the Vikalp scheme will optimise berth utilisation across all trains.
7) Wait-listed passengers who opt for the Vikalp scheme should check PNR status after charting.
8) Wait-listed passengers of original train will not be allowed to board the original train if allotted alternate accommodation.
9) The Vikalp-opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternate train will not figure in the wait-listed charts of their original train.
10) When a Vikalp-opted passenger opts to cancel, after he/she has been given an alternate accommodation, he/she will be treated as a confirmed passenger and the cancellation rules will apply accordingly.
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