Indian Railways extends ‘VIKALP’ scheme to passengers booking tickets from counters

Opting for VIKALP does not mean that confirmed berth will be provided to passengers in an alternate train. It is subject to the availability of train and berth. However, the passengers of all trains and classes can opt for a maximum of five trains under this scheme.

READ | Indian Railways’ VIKALP scheme is for wait-listed passengers: All you need to know

In this scheme, your boarding and terminating stations might change to nearby principal stations. The passengers can be transferred to any alternate train available within 12 hours from the scheduled departure of the original train which has been booked.

“If the option of Vikalp is availed by passengers, he/she would have to mark his/her choice of alternate train departing within 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours. Also, the passenger is given an optional choice to mention their Aadhaar number in the reservation form,” a statement from the ministry said.

Passengers will not be charged extra and would not be refunded for difference of fare under this scheme. Along with this, either all passengers — opting for VIKALP — of a PNR or none will be transferred to alternate train in the same class.

Initially, the VIKALP scheme was implemented as a pilot project for six months on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors of Northern Railway. This was later extended to all the sectors across Indian Railways.