Looking for a Last-Minute Train Ticket This Diwali? Here’s How IRCTC’s Vikalp Feature Can Get You a Confirmed Seat

Looking for a Last-Minute Train Ticket for Travelling Home This Diwali? Here’s How to Get a Confirmed Ticket with the Vikalp Feature

Every Diwali season, millions of people across India rush to book train tickets to travel home.

But with high demand and limited seats, many end up on waitlisted tickets, uncertain if they’ll make it in time to celebrate with family. Fortunately, IRCTC’s Vikalp feature offers a smart solution that can turn your waitlisted ticket into a confirmed one — even at the last minute.

Looking for a Last-Minute Train Ticket This Diwali? Here’s How IRCTC’s

If you’re one of those searching endlessly for a seat home this festive season, read on.

traveling trains

This guide explains how Vikalp works, who can use it, and step-by-step tips to increase your chances of confirmation.

What Is IRCTC’s Vikalp Feature?

The Vikalp feature, launched by Indian Railways and IRCTC, allows waitlisted passengers to choose an alternative train where vacant seats are available.

It’s designed to maximize seat utilization by filling empty seats on other trains running on the same route.

If your ticket is not confirmed in your chosen train, IRCTC automatically checks for available seats in alternate trains and books you a confirmed ticket without additional charges.

In short — instead of waiting endlessly for a PNR confirmation, Vikalp gives you another chance to travel comfortably without losing your ticket money.

Key Benefits of Using Vikalp

• Higher chances of confirmation: It increases your probability of getting a confirmed seat even if your original ticket stays waitlisted.

• No extra cost: IRCTC doesn’t charge any additional fare for being allotted a new train.

• Automatic seat allocation: Once opted in, the system automatically finds a suitable seat in another train on the same route.

• Flexible travel: Multiple options available across same or nearby destinations.

• Applicable for all ticket types: Both e-tickets and counter tickets are eligible under Vikalp if booked under the waitlist category.

How to Use Vikalp While Booking

1. Log in to IRCTC on the website or mobile app.

2. Enter route details, travel date, and train preferences.

3. Proceed to book your desired train ticket as usual.

4. On the booking confirmation page, you will see an option: “Would you like to opt for VIKALP?”

5. Select ‘Yes’ and choose up to five alternative train options on the same route or within a similar route category.

6. Complete the booking and payment normally.

Once done, IRCTC automatically considers your booking for seat confirmation through Vikalp if your original ticket remains waitlisted after chart preparation.

When Will You Know About the Confirmation?

If Vikalp allotment happens, you’ll receive an SMS and email notification with your new confirmed PNR, coach, and seat details before train departure.

Typically, this update comes after chart preparation, which is usually 3–4 hours before departure, depending on the train schedule.

Rules and Conditions to Remember

• Vikalp is available only for waitlisted passengers.

• You cannot select a particular train manually; IRCTC automatically allocates.

• Preferred class and route may change slightly but will remain close to your original preferences.

• Once allotted under Vikalp, no refund is given even if you decline to travel.

• Vikalp tickets are non-cancellable once confirmed on an alternative train.

• You can opt out of the feature if you only want to travel on your originally chosen train.

Example Scenario

Suppose you booked a Sleeper class ticket from New Delhi to Lucknow on Train No. 12230 and it’s WL10/WL5 even after several days.
By selecting Vikalp, IRCTC may assign you a confirmed seat on another train like Train No. 12424 (DBRT Rajdhani) on the same route, provided a seat is available.

The best part — you pay only the original fare and don’t need to make a new booking.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Confirmed Seat

• Choose flexible travel times: Selecting overnight or mid-day trains can enhance availability.

• Opt for Vikalp at booking: Don’t wait until the last day — early acceptance increases success rates.

• Monitor PNR updates: Keep track of IRCTC messages to avoid missing confirmation updates.

• Select more options: When prompted, pick all five available Vikalp trains for maximum flexibility.

• Travel a day before Diwali rush: Trains are comparatively less crowded just before peak holiday days.

Why Vikalp Is a Lifesaver During Diwali Rush

During Diwali, IRCTC handles over 3 crore daily searches and thousands of waitlisted tickets. Traditional cancellations and waitlist movement may not guarantee you a seat.

Vikalp ensures that unused berths from premium trains or less-demanded routes are efficiently reassigned to genuine passengers who need them most. It’s a sustainable and travel-friendly solution that avoids the frustration of being stranded despite having a valid booking.

Common Queries About Vikalp

1. Does Vikalp guarantee a confirmed seat?
No, it increases chances but doesn’t assure confirmation. It depends on seat availability in alternative trains.

2. Can I choose a different class under Vikalp?
Yes, downgrading or upgrading (like from 3AC to Sleeper or from Sleeper to 3AC) may happen automatically depending on seat availability.

3. Is there any cancellation refund if I don’t travel after getting Vikalp?
No. Once you are allotted a confirmed ticket via Vikalp, it’s treated as a confirmed reservation.

4. Can Tatkal tickets use Vikalp?
Currently, only normal (GNWL, PQWL) waitlisted tickets are eligible, not Tatkal or Premium Tatkal bookings.

Final Thoughts

If your train ticket this Diwali is still waitlisted, don’t panic.

The IRCTC Vikalp feature gives you a real second chance for confirmation without extra cost.

It’s one of the smartest ways to manage last-minute travel plans when trains are jam-packed.