IRCTC Train Ticket Booking For Diwali and Chhath: Know How to Book Indian Railways Tickets Online

During festive times like Diwali or Chhath Puja, securing train tickets can be challenging. Tickets sell out quickly, leading to long waiting lists and uncertainty about travel plans. Many passengers either choose different travel methods or risk travelling without confirmed tickets. To tackle this issue, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched the Vikalp Scheme.

Understanding the Vikalp Scheme

The Vikalp Scheme is designed to help those with waitlisted or RAC tickets secure a seat. When booking, passengers can opt for this service, allowing the Railways to find available seats on other trains along the same route. This option is free of charge but does not guarantee a confirmed seat; it merely increases the likelihood of obtaining one.

If a seat becomes available, passengers might be assigned to another train within 30 minutes to 72 hours of their original departure time. The boarding or destination station could also change to a nearby cluster station. This flexibility aims to enhance travel convenience during busy periods.

Steps to Use the Vikalp Scheme

To use this scheme, log in to the IRCTC website or app and start booking your ticket by entering your source, destination, and travel date. If your ticket is waitlisted, select the 'Vikalp' option for alternate trains. You can choose up to seven alternative trains during booking. If a seat opens up on an alternate train, you will be automatically shifted there.

Once allocated a seat, your PNR number will be sent to your registered mobile number. This process ensures that passengers have better chances of travelling even if their initial ticket remains unconfirmed.

How to Book IRCTC Train Tickets Online

1. Visit the Official IRCTC Website or App

Website: https://www.irctc.co.in

Mobile App: Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store

2. Log In or Register

Aadhaar Authentication: Ensure your IRCTC account is linked to your Aadhaar number. This is mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets and helps in faster verification.

3. Enter Journey Details

From: Your departure station

To: Your destination station

Date of Journey: Select your preferred travel date

Class of Travel: Choose from options like Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.

4. Select Train and Quota

Train Selection: Browse through available trains for your route.

Quota: Choose the appropriate quota (e.g., General, Tatkal).

5. Enter Passenger Details

Personal Information: Provide names, ages, and other required details.

Contact Information: Enter your mobile number and email address.

6. Make Payment

Payment Methods: Use options like UPI, debit/credit cards, or IRCTC e-wallet for quick transactions.

Important Considerations for Passengers

While the Vikalp option enhances travel chances, it doesn't ensure a confirmed seat. If you get a confirmed seat on an alternate train and decide to cancel later, cancellation fees will apply based on the new train's status. The scheme is open to all passengers regardless of booking quota or concessions.

If the fare for the alternate train is less than your original ticket price, no refund will be given. However, if you don't travel on the reassigned train, you can claim a refund by submitting a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). This initiative aims to make travel smoother while making optimal use of available seats during peak seasons.

This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20th. As festivities approach, schemes like Vikalp are crucial in ensuring that more people can celebrate with their families without travel hassles. By offering alternatives at no extra cost, IRCTC seeks to alleviate some of the stress associated with holiday travel planning.