IRCTC VIKALP Scheme: Confirmed Train Tickets This Diwali & Chhath
Planning to travel this Diwali or Chhath? The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made festival travel easier with its VIKALP Scheme. This option can improve your chances of getting a confirmed train ticket during peak season.
What is the VIKALP Scheme?
The VIKALP Scheme allows passengers to be shifted to an alternate train if their original train is full and the ticket remains wait-listed. This helps travellers secure a confirmed seat on a different train at no additional cost. While it does not guarantee confirmation, it offers another opportunity to travel comfortably.
Why it’s useful this Diwali & Chhath
Festival travel often creates long waitlists and booked trains. By opting for VIKALP, you can select alternate trains departing within a 12-hour window. This increases the chance of a confirmed seat, reduces travel uncertainty, and provides flexibility for passengers.
How to use it while booking train tickets
When booking your ticket through the IRCTC website or app, select the VIKALP option. If your original ticket remains on the waitlist, the system may allocate you to an alternate train. Your PNR will be updated with the new train details once the chart is prepared.
Things to keep in mind
- Departure time or boarding station may change with an alternate train.
- Once transferred under VIKALP, you cannot revert to the original train.
- No extra fare is charged, but always check seat class and train route.
Festival Travel Tips
To maximize your chances of confirmed tickets, book early, choose the VIKALP option, and remain flexible with travel timings. The scheme is particularly useful for routes connecting metros to hometowns, where demand surges during Diwali and Chhath.
Conclusion
The IRCTC VIKALP Scheme doesn’t guarantee a seat but increases flexibility and reduces stress for festival travellers. Using this scheme along with early booking can help you reach your destination with minimal waitlist issues.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest rules, seat availability, and train schedules directly on the IRCTC platform before booking.
FAQ
Q: Does VIKALP guarantee a confirmed seat?
No. It increases the chance of confirmation by shifting wait-listed tickets to alternate trains but doesn’t guarantee a seat.
Q: When should I select the VIKALP option?
Select it while booking if you are flexible and want higher chances of confirmation during festival travel.
Q: Is there an extra charge for VIKALP?
No. There is no additional cost for using the VIKALP Scheme.
