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  Vikalp scheme brings cheer to passengers

Vikalp scheme brings cheer to passengers

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : May 24, 2016, 1:57 am IST
Updated : May 24, 2016, 1:57 am IST

Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday launched the ‘Vikalp’ scheme applicable from Mumbai to Delhi where a wait-listed passenger will be automatically shifted to another train when there is failure to confirm if the ticket is booked through the Indian Railway Catering & Tourism (IRCTC) portal. The scheme will not include Rajdhani, Duranto, special trains or those that fall under the Suvidha scheme.

Mr Prabhu explained the railways’ push for more technology in ticketing systems across the country. “We are trying to bring in more facilities like ‘Vikalp’ for commuters and we have in fact decided to invest Rs 50 crore in our efforts to help us use technology to solve a lot of these issues,” he said.

Other routes on which ‘Vikalp’ has been introduced include Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Howrah, Delhi-Chennai, Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Secunderabad.

The scheme includes trains that are an alternative to primary trains of choice and have the same fares. Alternate tickets will be provided to commuters within 12 hours of the primary train’s departure. “For example, if someone had booked a second AC ticket in Paschim Express but did not get confirmation for it, the passenger will get a confirmation for say Punjab Mail that would be leaving within 12 hours in the same class. We cannot do this with trains like Rajdhani, Duranto, special/Suvidha trains as the fares of these trains are higher than other trains plying to Delhi,” said a railway official on condition of anonymity.

Passengers logging into the IRCTC website will have to choose ‘Vikalp’ as an option while booking itself. “When you choose ‘Vikalp’ a pop up appears where you have to agree to the terms and conditions of the same. Then if your ticket is not confirmed, you will get a message on your registered mobile number, informing you about the alternative,” the official added.