Discover the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme, a boon for train travelers during the festive season, allowing passengers to secure confirmed tickets hassle-free.
This article explores the features, benefits, and steps to use this ingenious system.
The festive season in India brings the joy of family reunions and celebrations, but it also ushers in the annual surge of train travelers. This surge often results in the ordeal of ticket unavailability and, consequently, countless travelers postponing or even canceling their journeys.
However, Indian Railways has come to the rescue with the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative that offers travelers the opportunity to book confirmed train tickets with ease.
IRCTC Vikalp Scheme
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Vikalp Scheme, introduced in 2023, aims to alleviate the challenges faced by passengers, especially during peak travel periods.
This scheme is designed to provide an online platform for booking train tickets with the promise of confirmed reservations. It’s a game-changer for those who have experienced the frustration of not securing a confirmed ticket during busy festival seasons.
Key Features of the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme
- Universal Accessibility: The Vikalp Scheme is available for all types of trains and passengers, irrespective of their booking quota or concessions.
- Option to Select Multiple Trains: Passengers can choose up to seven different trains while booking their tickets. This feature significantly enhances the likelihood of securing a confirmed ticket, even if the first choice isn’t available.
- Online Ticket Booking: The Vikalp Scheme operates exclusively for online ticket bookings, streamlining the process and ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.
- Transfer to Alternate Train: Passengers can choose to transfer to an alternate train within 30 minutes to 72 hours from the original train’s scheduled departure time if their waiting list ticket wasn’t confirmed.
- No Additional Charges: The Vikalp Scheme doesn’t impose extra charges on passengers. Additionally, there is no refund required for fare differences.
- Group Transfers: All passengers within the same category or under a single Passenger Name Record (PNR) will be transferred collectively to an alternate train, ensuring that no one gets left behind.
| Name of the Scheme | IRCTC Vikalp Scheme |
| Launched by | Indian Railways |
| Beneficiary | Passengers traveling by train |
| Objective | Facility of option on IRCTC for online ticket booking |
| Ticket Booking Process | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/ |
| Maximum Train Choices | Up to 7 different trains can be selected for booking under Vikalp Scheme |
How to Book Tickets Through the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme ?
- Visit the Official IRCTC Website: Begin by visiting the official IRCTC website at https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/.
- Choose Your Journey Details: On the website’s home page, input your starting station, destination, journey date, and the class in which you wish to travel.
- Log In: Log in to your IRCTC account using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up.
- Enter Captcha and Submit: Enter the captcha code and click the submit button to proceed.
- Select Your Preferred Train: A new page will appear, displaying the availability of seats in your preferred train.
- Book Your Ticket: If seats are available, click on the “Book Now” option.
- Provide Passenger Details: Enter passenger details and choose your preferred payment mode, which can include credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Complete Payment: Make the payment for your ticket.
- Ticket Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, your ticket will be booked, and the ticket details will be sent to your mobile number and email ID.
The IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2023 is a testament to the Indian Railways’ commitment to improving the travel experience for passengers.
By introducing this innovative system, the railways have made festival season travel a breeze, ensuring that travelers can reach their loved ones without the anxiety of unconfirmed tickets.
So, next time you plan a journey during the festive season, remember to utilize the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.
