Introduced in 2015, the VIKALP Scheme, or Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS), offers a helping hand to passengers facing the uncertainty of waitlisted tickets. Its aim is to ensure that no berth goes unused, maximizing the efficiency of available space. Under this scheme, if a passenger’s ticket is waitlisted on one train, they have the option to secure a confirmed berth on another train instead. Additionally, there’s the possibility of snagging alternative accommodations on prestigious trains like the Rajdhani or Shatabdi. This initiative aims to provide flexibility and convenience to travelers, easing the frustration of uncertain journeys.
About VIKALP Scheme
- Indian Railways has introduced a new initiative called the “VIKALP Scheme,” which translates to “Alternative” in Hindi.
- Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the scheme on March 22, 2017, and it will be implemented from April 1, 2017.
- It offers an excellent opportunity for rail passengers on waiting lists to secure confirmed accommodation on the next train running along the same route, provided they select the VIKALP option during ticket booking.
- Initially piloting on November 1, 2016, on busy routes such as Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Jammu, and Delhi-Chennai, it has now been extended to all major train routes nationwide.
- Currently, the scheme is applicable only for online ticketing (e-ticketing), while development is underway to extend it to Over the Counter bookings (Passenger Reservation Service – PRS). The PRS system will soon integrate this feature for offline bookings as well.
Benefits to the Rail Passengers
- Passengers who choose the VIKALP Scheme during ticket booking will receive an SMS alert on their mobile phones informing them of confirmed accommodation in an alternative train.
- We’ll only consider passengers who remain fully waitlisted after the original train’s charting for allocation on the alternate train.
- This scheme applies to waitlisted passengers of any express or mail train, offering them confirmed accommodation in the next available trains running on the same route within 12 hours.
- Passengers can travel on premier trains like Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express at regular fares, but only to the same destination as their original ticket in other express trains.
- The aim of this scheme is to reduce waitlists by providing confirmed berths to as many waitlisted passengers as possible.
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