When it comes to booking train tickets in India, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the most popular and reliable platform. It not only provides a simple and convenient way to book train tickets online but also offers several features that make the entire process hassle-free. The IRCTC next-generation ticket booking website has a ‘Vikalp’ feature, which allows passengers to opt for an alternate train or class in case their preferred train or class is fully booked. In this article, we will discuss how to use the Vikalp in IRCTC booking.
Now avail ₹0 Payment Gateway Charges with UPI while booking your train tickets!
Search Trains
What is the Vikalp Option?
The Vikalp option in IRCTC is an alternative train accommodation scheme introduced by IRCTC in 2016. It is designed to provide a better chance of getting a confirmed berth or seat to passengers who are unable to get a confirmed ticket by choosing to opt Vikalp train or class. Under this scheme, passengers who have booked a waitlisted ticket in any class can opt for an alternate train or class, subject to availability.
How to use the Vikalp Option?
Now comes the million-dollar question – “How to use the Vikalp Option?” Using the Vikalp scheme in IRCTC is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website or app and log in to your account.
Step 2: Enter the details of your journey, including the source and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel.
Step 3: Check the availability of the train and the class of travel you want to book. If the train and class of travel are fully booked, you will be placed on the waitlist.
Step 4: If you are on the waitlist, you will see the Vikalp Option in IRCTC on the screen. Click on the Vikalp option to opt for an alternative train or class.
Step 5: The system will then display a list of alternate trains and classes that are available for your journey. You can select the Vikalp Option in Railway Booking that suits your convenience.
Step 6: If you choose to opt for the alternate train or class, you will be automatically booked on that train or class, subject to availability.
Step 7: If you get Vikalp ticket confirmation on the alternate train or class, you will receive an SMS and an email. If your ticket is not confirmed, you will remain on the waitlist and can choose to opt for another alternate train or class.
Benefits of Using the Vikalp Option
The Vikalp in IRCTC has several benefits for passengers who are unable to get a confirmed ticket on their preferred train or class. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Higher chances of getting a confirmed ticket: The Vikalp option in IRCTC allows passengers to opt for an alternative train or class, which increases their chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
- No extra charges: Vikalp in IRCTC meaning that there are no extra charges. Passengers will only have to pay the fare for the train and class they choose.
- Automatic booking: Once a passenger opts the Vikalp train option, the system will automatically book the ticket on the alternate train or class, subject to availability.
- Flexibility: The Vikalp option provides passengers with the flexibility to choose an alternate train or class that suits their convenience.
- Convenience: Using the Vikalp option is a convenient way to book a ticket on an alternate train or class without having to go through the entire booking process again.
Apart from the Vikalp scheme in IRCTC, Ixigo also sets you free from cancellation charges with ‘ixigo Assured’. There are many ixigo Assured benefits including Free instant refunds, free vouchers, ZERO documentation required. ixigo assured is GREAT for travellers who are unsure of their future travel plans and would like the flexibility to cancel their domestic trips.
