Want confirmed train ticket? This Indian Railways' scheme can help
What's the story
The Indian Railways offers 'Vikalp' scheme for waitlisted passengers to get confirmed berth in an alternate train, running within 72 hours of the scheduled departure of the original train. The option can be availed during both online and offline ticket bookings. Here are a few key points and rules you need to know about the Railways' Vikalp scheme.
Rules (1)
Basic rules about the applicability of the Vikalp scheme
The Vikalp scheme is applicable to all waitlist-marked passengers, irrespective of the booking quota and concession awarded. Also, only those Vikalp-opted passengers that remain fully waitlisted at the time of chart preparation, are to be considered for shifting in alternate train. Furthermore, all passengers booked under the scheme are eligible for shifting in alternate train irrespective of whether their boarding/destination station is originating/terminating/roadside.
Rules (2)
Rules about transfer per PNR, and alternate train's originating station
For a particular PNR (Passenger Name Record), either all or none of the passengers are shifted to the alternate train's same class, as per berth availability. Additionally, the passengers can be considered for transfer on any train (serving the concerned destination station) originating from a number of nearby stations as decided by the Indian Railways, based on the passengers' convenience.
Rules (3)
About refunds/extra charges, cancelations, and journey modifications
For any difference of fare between the original train and the alternate train, neither any extra charge is levied, nor any refund (for difference of fare) is given. In case, a Vikalp-opted passenger, who has been provided accommodation in an alternate train, opts for cancelation, they're treated as a confirmed passenger, and cancelation rules shall apply accordingly. After the allocation of alternate accommodation, no journey modification is permitted.
Information
What if a passenger doesn't undertake alternate train journey?
If a passenger, who was allotted alternate accommodation, does not undertake the new train journey, they can claim for refund by filing a TDR (Ticket Deposit Request).