New reservation system offers berths on premium trains for wait-listed passengers

Indian Railways has launched a new scheme under which wait-listed passengers can get confirmed accommodation in the next alternative train if they opt for the scheme while booking their tickets

Called Vikalp, the scaled-up new reservation system or alternate train accommodation scheme (ATAS) will be open from 1 April 2017.

Under the Vikalp scheme, wait-listed passengers can avail the opportunity of travelling in Rajdhani, Shatabdi or other premium / special trains even if they have booked tickets in other mail / express trains for the same destinations - at no extra cost.

The Vikalp scheme aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains in all major routes.

Currently, Railways is running the scheme on a pilot basis on some routes.

The Vikalp scheme will be initially available for e-tickets only.

Under this scheme, wait-listed passengers will be given a choice to opt for the Vikalp scheme. Such passengers who remain fully wait-listed after charting will only be considered for allotment in the alternate train.

No extra charges will be taken from the passenger or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare.

Passengers once provided alternate accommodation in another train will be treated as normal passengers in alternate train and will be eligible for upgradation.

Railways said the Vikalp scheme will optimise berth utilisation across all trains.

Wait-listed passengers who opt for the Vikalp scheme should check PNR status after charting. The Vikalp-opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternate train will not figure in the wait-listed charts of their original train.

When  Vikalp-opted passengers opt to cancel, after having been given an alternate accommodation, they will be treated as a confirmed passenger and the cancellation rules will apply accordingly.

Wait-listed passengers of original train will not be allowed to board the original train if they have been allotted accommodation in an alternate train.