If you’ve ever booked a train ticket on IRCTC and ended up on the waiting list, you know the stress — constantly checking PNR status and hoping it turns Confirmed.
To solve this hassle, Indian Railways introduced an amazing feature called Vikalp in IRCTC.
Table of contents
- 1 ⭐ What is Vikalp in IRCTC?
- 2 📌 History of the Vikalp Schem
- 3 🏆 Salient Features of the Vikalp Option
- 4 🎯 Benefits of Vikalp in IRCTC
- 5 📲 How to Opt for Vikalp in IRCTC (Step-by-Step)
- 6 🚫 How to Cancel Opt Vikalp in IRCTC?
- 7 ⚠️ Important Terms & Rule
- 8 🧠 Meaning of “Opt Vikalp in IRCTC”
- 9 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10 🏁 Final Thoughts
⭐ What is Vikalp in IRCTC?
Vikalp in IRCTC, also known as ATAS (Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme), is a facility that provides confirmed seats to waitlisted passengers by allocating them berths or seats in an alternate train. The alternate train may depart anytime between 30 minutes to 72 hours from the original train’s scheduled departure time.
Initially, the Vikalp facility was available only for E-tickets (online bookings), but later, due to its success, it was extended to PRS counter tickets as well. Today, both online and offline ticket holders can benefit from it.
👉 In simple words, Vikalp in IRCTC means a second chance for waitlisted passengers to get confirmed travel without paying extra.
📌 History of the Vikalp Schem
The Vikalp scheme was first launched on 1 November 2015 as a pilot project on two busy routes:
- Delhi ➝ Lucknow
- Delhi ➝ Jammu
After six months of testing and positive results, the facility was rolled out nationwide, and today it’s known widely as “Vikalp option” or “Vikalp Scheme” in IRCTC.
👉 Read : IRCTC Auto Upgradation Scheme
🏆 Salient Features of the Vikalp Option
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔄 Alternate train confirmation | Only when the original ticket remains waitlisted at charting. |
| ⏱ Timing range | Alternate train may leave 30 minutes to 72 hours later. |
| 🚆 Multiple options | Passengers can select up to 7 alternative trains. |
| 💰 Zero extra charge | No fare difference charged; no refund for lower-fare allocation. |
| 🧾 Applicable on all tickets | Valid for both online and counter bookings. |
| 👥 Same PNR rule | All passengers under one PNR shift together or not at all. |
| 🚫 Boarding restriction | Once allotted, passengers can only board the alternate train. |
| 🇮🇳 Nationwide | Available across India on most trains and classes. |
🎯 Benefits of Vikalp in IRCTC
- ✔ Higher chances of confirmed travel
- ✔ Free of cost
- ✔ Flexibility in travel schedule
- ✔ Useful during festive rush and Tatkal season
- ✔ Less uncertainty and hassle
- ✔ Equal access for all — no quota or concession restrictions
📲 How to Opt for Vikalp in IRCTC (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Book Your Ticket
Use IRCTC website/app or PRS counter.
2️⃣ Check if Your Ticket is Waitlisted
Only waitlisted tickets are considered.
3️⃣ Select “Opt Vikalp in IRCTC”
During booking or later through Booked Ticket History (up to 24 hours before departure).
4️⃣ Wait for Charting
Allocation happens once the reservation chart is prepared.
5️⃣ Receive SMS/Email
If allotted an alternate train, IRCTC will notify you.
6️⃣ Travel with the Original Ticket
No new ticket required — the original PDF/SMS is valid.
🚫 How to Cancel Opt Vikalp in IRCTC?
You can cancel Vikalp before you receive an alternate train. To cancel:
- Login to IRCTC
- Go to Booked Ticket History
- Select ticket
- Click Modify/Cancel Vikalp
- Confirm
⚠️ After allotment, cancellation follows normal confirmed ticket rules.
⚠️ Important Terms & Rule
- Vikalp does not guarantee seat confirmation.
- Train preferences can be updated only once.
- PNR should be checked after charting for final status.
- If you miss the alternate train, file a TDR for refund.
- Boarding the original train after allocation is not allowed.
🧠 Meaning of “Opt Vikalp in IRCTC”
When IRCTC displays the option “Opt Vikalp in IRCTC”, it means:
You can choose to allow IRCTC to automatically shift you to another suitable train if your current ticket remains waitlisted.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
✔ What is Vikalp in IRCTC?
A feature that reallocates waitlisted passengers to alternate trains with available seats.
✔ Is there extra charge?
No — it’s completely free.
✔ How to check Vikalp status?
Simply check your PNR after chart preparation.
✔ Can I reject the alternative train?
Yes — you can reject it before allotment. After allotment, cancellation follows normal rules.
✔ Is Vikalp available in the IRCTC app?
Yes, it’s available during booking and under ticket history.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Vikalp in IRCTC scheme is a smart, passenger-friendly feature that gives waitlisted travellers a real chance at confirmed accommodation — without extra cost, and with better utilisation of available seats across trains.
If you often travel during peak seasons or weekends, opting for Vikalp is definitely worth it.