'Accommodation scheme' soon in Indian Railways

Indian Railways will launch "alternate train accommodation scheme" (ATAS) called "VIKALP" on Sunday to provide confirmed accommodation to wait-listed passengers, ministry of railways announced on Saturday.

"With a view to provide confirmed accommodation to wait-listed passengers and also to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, "alternate train accommodation scheme" (ATAS) called "VIKALP" has been conceptualised and is to be introduced from tomorrow (Sunday)," the ministry of railways said in a statement.

It added that initially this scheme will be available only for the tickets booked through internet (E-ticket) as a pilot project for six months.

This scheme would be provided on mail/express trains running on the Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors of Northern Railway, it added.

"In this scheme, wait listed passengers of a train will be given option for getting confirmed accommodation in alternate trains. This is a major passenger-friendly move to provide confirmed accommodation to wait-listed passengers in alternate trains," the statement said.

"No extra charges shall be taken from passenger or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare and applicable to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking quota and concession."

ATAS-opted passengers who remain fully wait-listed after charting will only be considered for allotment in the alternate train and passengers opted for ATAS should check PNR status after charting.

The passenger allotted alternate accommodation can travel in the alternate train on authority of original ticket.