Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) is VIKALP
VIKALP scheme for train passengers
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
QUESTION NO 2039
ANSWERED ON 03.08.2018
VIKALP scheme for train passengers
2039 Dr. R. Lakshmanan
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether the VIKALP scheme introduced by Government has been received well by the train passengers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the procedure/follow up adopted by Government under VIKALP scheme to provide alternate train with confirmed ticket in next 12 hours and 24 hours of intended travel by passengers; and
(d) the number of passengers to whom confirmed tickets have been provided in alternate trains since the inception of this scheme?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2039 BY DR. R. LAKSHMANAN ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 03.08.2018 REGARDING VIKALP SCHEME FOR TRAIN PASSENGERS
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. With a view to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and also to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, an Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) also known as “VIKALP” has been introduced on Indian Railways. Under this scheme, waiting list passengers can choose maximum of 7 alternate trains running within 72 hours from the journey date and time. The response to ‘VIKALP’ has been good as large number of passengers are opting for this scheme.
(c): At the time of preparation of first reservation chart of the passenger’s original train, the VIKALP opted passenger who is not confirmed in the original train itself is transferred in the chosen alternate train in the same class subject to availability. After transferring, SMS (Short Message Service) is sent to the passenger informing about the new train/date, etc. No fare difference is charged or refunded if passenger is transferred in different train type. Passenger is marked as cancelled in original train. Passenger’s name appears in the charts of the alternate trains.
(d): This scheme was introduced in November 2015. During the financial year 2015-16 (November 2015 to March 2016) only one passenger was shifted whereas in financial year 2016-17, 73 passengers were shifted. Keeping in view the poor response, the scheme was modified in the year 2017 and in financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19 (upto June 2018) a total of 16291 and 4533 passengers respectively have been provided confirmed accommodation under this scheme.
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