Try Vikalp this festive season!

Vikalp scheme does not mean that you will get confirmed seats. It means that you will be provided with alternate trains with seat availability options.

Getting a confirmed train ticket in India is not easy, especially during peak seasons (summer breaks, festive season like Diwali and Chhath Puja). To ensure that the passengers get confirmed seats, the Indian Railways has made many changes in the reservation procedures, so that the passengers can book their tickets without any hassle.

The Indian railways have taken steps to provide more confirmed tickets using artificial intelligence. In addition, the railways have introduced the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) called VIKALP Yojana. This scheme allows the passengers to select multiple trains at once. The passenger gets the option to travel on the train where a seat is available.

If you too have to travel home on the occasion of Diwali or Chhath Puja and are unable to get a confirmed ticket, then you should use the VIKALP ticket reservation option. In fact, When you book a ticket online, you will automatically be suggested the VIKALP option.

This will increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket. Passengers must be aware of the rules and facilities of the railways so that they do not face any problems while purchasing tickets. Railways allow booking of tickets 120 days before the date of travel. At the same time, passengers who need to travel in emergencies can also book tickets a day before the journey by using the Tatkal facility.

Vikalp is a scheme launched by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), providing passengers with alternative train options to get seat or berth availability. Under this scheme, your train ticket booking can be transferred to an alternate train with available seats. Once your tickets are confirmed, Indian Railways will charge cancellation fees if you ever want to cancel your tickets of alternate trains. When opting for the Vikalp Scheme, there is the possibility of changing boarding and boarding points at nearby stations. You can be transferred to an alternate train within 12 hours of departure.