The system is being introduced from November 1. It will be initially only for the tickets booked through internet as a pilot project for six months and that too on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors of the Northern Railway.

The wait-listed passengers of a train can opt for confirmed accommodation in alternative trains in the pilot scheme. A separate list of passengers transferred in alternative train will be pasted along with the confirmed and waitlist charts.

The main features of the scheme are:-

• The ATAS will be launched under the name 'Vikalp.'
• It will be on pilot basis.
• Applicable only for the tickets booked through internet.
• Initially limited to Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Lucknow sectors.
• The scheme is presently being implemented only across Mail/Express trains.
• No extra charges shall be levied and no refund shall be provided for difference in fares.
• The scheme is applicable to all waiting-listed passengers.
• Booking quota and concession included.
• The pilot phase applies to pre-designated trains.
• Those waitlisted after charting will only be considered for allotment.
• Either all passengers of a PNR or none will be transferred to alternative train in same class.
• The cluster of stations applicable have been defined by Railways.
• The ATAS opted passengers who have been provided accommodation in the alternative train will not figure in the waitlisted charts of their original train.
• A separate list of passengers transferred in alternative train will be pasted along with the CONFIRMED and WAITLIST charts.
• The passenger allotted alternative accommodation can travel in the alternative train on authority of original ticket.
• Waitlisted passengers of original train shall not be allowed to board the original train.
• Passengers once provided alternative accommodation in alternative train will be treated as normal passengers in alternative train and will be eligible for upgradation.
• Information will be available on Call Centre (139), PRS Enquiry Counters, Passenger Operated Enquiry Terminals installed at stations and WEB ENQUIRY on www.indianrail.gov.in.
• When an ATAS opted passenger opts to cancel, after he/she has been given an alternative accommodation, he/she will be treated as a CONFIRMED passenger and the cancellation rules will apply accordingly.
• No refund for difference of fare between the original train and the alternative train, including Tatkal charges, if any, will be given to re-allocated passengers.
• Once an ATAS passenger has been allotted alternative accommodation, journey modification will not be permitted.
• When a passenger who has been allotted alternative accommodation has not performed his journey in the alternative train, he can claim for refunds by filing a TDR request.
• Opting for VIKALP does not mean that confirmed berth will be provided.
• Boarding and terminating station might change to nearby cluster stations.
• Passenger can be transferred to any alternative train available within 12 hrs from the scheduled departure of original train.