Now, you can travel in Rajdhani, Shatbadi, Duronto, other special trains at regular fares from April 1

Highlights:

1. Indian Railways is launching a new scheme from April 1 under which wait-listed passengers can get confirmed accommodation in the next alternative train if they opt for the option while booking their tickets

2. As per the scheme, there would be no extra charges taken from the passenger or any refund provided for the difference of fare

3. The scheme known as 'Vikalp' which means the alternative train accommodation aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other special service such as Suvidha trains in all major routes 

Now, you can travel in special long distance trains like Rajdhani and Shatbadi at regular fares even if you have booked tickets in other mail or express trains for the same destinations from April this year, PTI reported. 

Indian Railways is launching a new scheme from April 1 under which wait-listed passengers can get confirmed accommodation in the next alternative train if they opt for the option while booking their tickets, it said.

"No more waiting for Confirmed Berth get transferred to alternate trains without paying a penny extra #PromisesInMotion," Ministry of Railways said on Twitter.

No more waiting for Confirmed Berth get transferred to alternate trains without paying a penny extra #PromisesInMotion pic.twitter.com/Dnmtru8fCG

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) March 22, 2017

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"Wait listed Passengers may avail alternate option to go in Rajdhani,Shatabdi,Suvidha,Spl trains,other M/Ex trains without paying extra money," Ministry of Railways said.

Wait listed Passengers may avail alternate option 2 go in Rajdhani,Shatabdi,Suvidha,Spl trains,other M/Ex trains without paying extra money pic.twitter.com/BU7ytRalh1

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) March 22, 2017

 As per the scheme, there would be no extra charges taken from the passenger or any refund provided for the difference of fare.

According to the report, the scheme known as 'Vikalp' which means the alternative train accommodation aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other special service such as Suvidha trains in all major routes.

Railways has to forego about Rs 7,500 crore in a year in refund to customers for cancellation of tickets for various reasons, it added.

After introduction of flexi-fare system in premier trains, some berths are going vacant while at the same time many passengers could not be accommodated in other mail or express trains due to huge demand, the report said quoting a senior railway ministry official, as saying.

“Whatever we can save in refund is going to be a neat save for us. No additional cost is involved to railways so anything we save will be earnings for railways," he added.

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