Rail Ministry announces scheme for alternate train accommodation for wait-listed passengers

The Alternate Train Accomodation Scheme, also called VIKALP, will come into effect beginning 1st November

The Rail Ministry today announced a new scheme that would allow wait-listed passengers of a train to opt for confirmed accommodation in alternate trains. The Alternate Train Accomodation Scheme (ATAS), also called VIKALP, will come into effect beginning 1st November on a pilot basis for six months on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu routes for tickets booked online.

"Based on the feedback it will be provided on passenger reservation counters and also on other routes. Currently it is being implemented only across mail and express trains," the ministry said in a statement. Railways will not collect extra charges or provide refund to passengers for difference of fares between the original train and the alternate train booking.

As per the scheme, either all passengers of a particular booking or none will be transferred to alternate train in the same class. Also, the passenger may be considered for shifting to a train leaving from any station among the cluster of stations defined by railways based on the convenience of the passengers to a station serving the destination station.

The ministry clarified that opting for VIKALP does not mean confirmed berth will be provided to passengers in alternate train as it is subject to train and berth availability. Also, once confirmed in alternate train, cancellation charges will apply as per the berth and train status in alternate train. As per the scheme, boarding and terminating station might change to nearby cluster stations.