MANU/PIBU/1383/2015

Department/Board : Press Information Bureau

Date : 15.10.2015

Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme - "VIKALP", New Passenger Friendly Measures to be Introduced w.e.f. 01.11.2015 on Pilot Basis

With a view to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and also to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, a scheme called Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme - VIKALP has been conceptualised and is being introduced w.e.f. 01.11.2015 initially only for the tickets booked through internet as a pilot project for six months, on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors of Northern Railway. In this scheme, wait listed passengers of a train can opt for confirmed accommodation in alternate trains.

Salient Features

• The Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) is presently being launched under the name "Vikalp" on pilot basis only for the tickets booked through internet on two sectors i.e. Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Lucknow sectors. Based on the feedback it will be provided on PRS and also on other sectors.

• The scheme is presently being implemented only across Mail/Express trains of same category.

• No extra charges shall be taken from passenger or any refund shall be provided for difference of fare.

• The scheme is applicable to all waiting list passengers irrespective of booking quota and concession. In pilot phase the scheme will be available on few pre-designated trains in the above sectors only.

• Under this scheme, waiting list passengers will give choice to opt for ATAS scheme.

• ATAS opted passengers who remain fully waitlisted after charting will only be considered for allotment in the alternate train.

• Fully WL passengers opted for ATAS should check PNR status after charting.

• Either all passengers of a PNR or none will be transferred to alternate train in same class. The passenger can be considered for shifting to a train leaving from any station amongst the cluster of stations defined by Railways based on the convenience of the passengers to a station serving the destination station on the same analogy.

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