What are the RAC, GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, and TQWL in Indian Railway Reservation System?

India boasts one of the largest railway networks in the world. With over 7,500 stations and 13,000 passenger trains, Indian Railways is a preferred mode of transportation for millions nationwide. However, when booking a train ticket, passengers may come across acronyms like RAC, GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, and TQWL, which indicate its status and can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the Indian Railway Reservation system. This article will define what RAC, GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, and TQWL mean and how they impact ticket confirmation.

Why should I worry about RAC, GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, and TQW when booking a ticket?

As a passenger booking a ticket on Indian Railways, it is essential to understand the different types of quotas and waiting lists available so you can make an informed decision when making your reservation. These include RAC, GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, and TQWL – all distinct waiting lists or quotas you may encounter when purchasing your ticket.

Without knowledge of quotas and waiting lists, you could have a tentative reservation or miss out on booking a confirmed ticket. For instance, when booking a remote location ticket, it is essential to comprehend RLWL quotas and your chances for confirmation.

Understanding the different types of quotas and waiting lists can help you plan your journey more effectively, making necessary changes such as choosing a different quota or train to guarantee an easy journey. For instance, when booking Tatkal tickets, remember that the TQWL quota has more chances for confirmation than other waiting lists but limited availability.

Furthermore, being familiar with the different waiting lists and quotas can help you make an informed decision when booking your ticket. For instance, booking under the GNWL quota increases your chance of securing a confirmed reservation compared to using PQWL’s quota.

In conclusion, understanding the various types of quotas and waiting lists is essential to guarantee a stress-free journey and increase your chances of receiving a confirmed reservation on Indian Railways. Thus, as a passenger booking a ticket on these services, you must know these distinctions to make an informed decision when making your reservation.

What is Reservation against Cancellation: RAC in Indian Railway Reservation?

Reservation Against Cancellation, also known as RAC, is a type of ticket that permits passengers to board the train but does not guarantee a berth. When all confirmed tickets have been sold out, RAC tickets become available; each train has only a limited number available in RAC1 and RAC2.

When passengers book a RAC ticket, they are assigned a seat number to share with another traveler. For instance, if there are 10 RAC seats on board, 20 passengers can fit in these ten spaces; one passenger will sit in the assigned seat while the other occupies the berth.

As the name implies, RAC tickets have a greater chance of confirmation than waiting list tickets. Suppose any confirmed ticket holder cancels their reservation. In that case, RAC ticket holders move up the queue, and their status is upgraded to confirmed berth. Even if the RAC ticket needs to be confirmed, passengers can board the train and travel in their assigned seats.

What is GNWL in Indian Railway Reservation?

General Waiting List, commonly called GNWL, is among the most popular in the Indian Railway Reservation system. Tickets issued under this scheme cover the entire journey from the source station to the destination station; availability depends on how many seats or berths are available on the train.

Your chances of receiving a GNWL ticket depend on how many cancellations are made by confirmed ticket holders. The higher the number of cancellations, the greater your chances are for confirmation. Conversely, there need to be more cancellations. In that case, your ticket may move down the waiting list and not be confirmed.

Ten facts about GNWL

1. GNWL stands for General Waiting List, the most common type of waiting list for Indian Railway reservations.
2. GNWL tickets are issued for passengers traveling between the originating and destination stations.
3. The availability of GNWL tickets depends on the number of confirmed seats or berths available in the train’s general quota.
4. The waiting list status of GNWL tickets changes as the confirmed seats or berths become available due to cancellations.
5. GNWL tickets have a higher chance of getting confirmed than other types of waiting lists.
6. Passengers can check the status of their GNWL tickets by entering their PNR number on the Indian Railways website or mobile application.
7. The GNWL quota is the largest in Indian Railways. The number of GNWL tickets available depends on the train’s capacity and demand.
8. Passengers can book GNWL tickets up to 120 days in advance.
9. If the GNWL waiting list does not clear, the ticket is automatically canceled, and the fare is refunded to the passenger.
10. If a passenger has a GNWL ticket, they can board the train and occupy any vacant seat or berth until their ticket is confirmed. However, if the ticket is not confirmed, they must vacate the seat or berth and travel on the side lower berth if available.

What is PQWL in Indian Railway Reservation?

PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Waiting List. It is a waiting list that assists passengers traveling between intermediate stations rather than their source or destination stations. PQWL tickets are issued from an independent quota that combines tickets from different stations on the same route.

For instance, if a passenger travels between Station A and Station C with Station B in between, PQWL tickets or GNWL tickets could be issued for that journey. However, since quotas for PQWL tickets are limited, passengers with long journeys should opt for booking a GNWL ticket instead of a PQWL one.

Ten facts about PQWL in Indian Railway Reservation

1. PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Waiting List, a type of waiting list in the Indian Railways reservation system.
2. The PQWL quota is used for passengers traveling from intermediate stations to the final destination.
3. PQWL tickets are issued when a passenger’s boarding station is between the train’s originating station and the terminating station.
4. The PQWL quota is smaller than other waiting lists, and the number of tickets available depends on the demand for the route.
5. The waiting list status of PQWL tickets changes as the confirmed seats or berths become available due to cancellations.
6. Passengers can check the status of their PQWL tickets by entering their PNR number on the Indian Railways website or mobile application.
7. Confirming a PQWL ticket depends on the availability of seats or berths in the pooled quota.
8. PQWL tickets are not refundable after the chart preparation.
9. Passengers with PQWL tickets can board the train and occupy any vacant seat or berth until their ticket is confirmed. However, if the ticket is not confirmed, they must vacate the seat or berth and travel on the side lower berth if available.
10. The probability of getting a PQWL ticket confirmed depends on various factors, such as the number of cancellations, the demand for the route, and the train’s capacity.

What is RLWL in Indian Railway Reservation?

RLWL stands for Remote Location Waiting List, explicitly created for passengers traveling to remote areas with limited quotas. Tickets under this scheme cover their journey from the origin station to the destination station but have a lower confirmation rate than GNWL or PQWL tickets.

For instance, if a passenger is traveling from Station A to Station C and Station B is at a remote location, an RLWL ticket can be issued for the journey between these points. The availability of these tickets depends on how many seats or berths are available on the train from that remote location.

If the number of cancellations is low, RLWL tickets may move down the waiting list and not be confirmed. On the contrary, if a passenger’s journey involves a remote location, RLWL tickets are the only available option for booking.

Ten facts about RLWL in Indian Railway Reservation

1. RLWL stands for Remote Location Waiting List, a type of waiting list in the Indian Railways reservation system.
2. The RLWL quota is used for passengers traveling to remote locations or stations with lower ticket demand.
3. The RLWL quota is issued for passengers who board the train at an intermediate station and travel to a remote destination.
4. The RLWL quota is generally smaller than the GNWL and PQWL quotas. The number of tickets available depends on the demand for the route.
5. The waiting list status of RLWL tickets changes as the confirmed seats or berths become available due to cancellations.
6. Passengers can check the status of their RLWL tickets by entering their PNR number on the Indian Railways website or mobile application.
7. The probability of getting an RLWL ticket confirmed depends on various factors, such as the number of cancellations, the demand for the route, and the train’s capacity.
8. If the RLWL waiting list does not clear, the ticket is automatically canceled, and the fare is refunded to the passenger.
9. Passengers with RLWL tickets can board the train and occupy any vacant seat or berth until their ticket is confirmed. However, if the ticket is not confirmed, they must vacate the seat or berth and travel on the side lower berth if available.
10. The RLWL quota is essential for passengers traveling to remote locations or stations, and understanding its rules and procedures can help them plan their journey better.

What is TQWL in Indian Railway Reservation?

TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List, explicitly created for passengers booking tickets under the Tatkal quota. This exclusive rate allows travelers to book at higher fares for last-minute trips. In addition, TQWL tickets have more chances of a confirmation than other waiting list tickets since this quota exists separately from regular reservations.

Unfortunately, TQWL tickets are in high demand, and the number of available TQWL tickets is limited. Therefore, passengers should book Tatkal tickets as soon as they become available to increase their chances of receiving a confirmed ticket. Therefore, booking these tickets as soon as they become available is advised to maximize your chances of snagging one.

Ten facts about TQWL

1. TQWL stands for Tatkal Waiting List, a type of waiting list in the Indian Railways reservation system.
2. TQWL is applicable for passengers who book tickets under the Tatkal quota, which allows passengers to book tickets on short notice.
3. The TQWL quota is available for Tatkal passengers traveling between the originating and destination stations.
4. The TQWL quota is small compared to other waiting lists. The number of tickets available depends on the train’s capacity and demand.
5. The waiting list status of TQWL tickets changes as the confirmed seats or berths become available due to cancellations.
6. Passengers can check the status of their TQWL tickets by entering their PNR number on the Indian Railways website or mobile application.
7. The probability of getting a TQWL ticket confirmed is low. It depends on various factors such as the number of cancellations, the demand for the route, and the train’s capacity.
8. If the TQWL waiting list does not clear, the ticket is automatically canceled, and the fare is refunded to the passenger.
9. Passengers with TQWL tickets can board the train and occupy any vacant seat or berth until their ticket is confirmed. However, if the ticket is not confirmed, they must vacate the seat or berth and travel on the side lower berth if available.
10. TQWL is a popular option for passengers who need to travel on short notice. Still, it is crucial to understand its rules and procedures to ensure a hassle-free journey.

How to Check the Status of Your Ticket?

Indian Railway Reservation system offers various ways to check the status of your ticket. The most popular method is through their website or mobile application, where passengers can enter their PNR (Passenger Name Record) number to confirm their ticket’s status.

The PNR number is a 10-digit unique code assigned to each passenger and printed on their ticket. Passengers may check their reservation status at either a railway station inquiry counter or through SMS text message.

Conclusion

Navigating the Indian Railway Reservation system can be confusing. Please book your tickets in advance and check their status regularly to guarantee a stress-free journey. RAC tickets have an increased chance of confirmation than waiting list tickets. In contrast, Tatkal tickets offer greater assurance for confirmation than other waiting list tickets.

Passengers traveling to remote locations or intermediate stations should book tickets under either RLWL or PQWL quotas, respectively. It’s also recommended that passengers book their tickets using either Indian Railways‘ website or mobile application for an easy booking experience.

Indian Railway Reservation System utilizes various waiting lists and quotas to accommodate all passengers’ needs. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend these various categories of quotas and waiting lists to make informed decisions when booking tickets.

Passengers should remember that booking tickets ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons, is essential for guaranteeing a confirmed reservation. Furthermore, it’s wise to check the status of your ticket regularly and make necessary changes (such as selecting another quota or train) to guarantee an enjoyable journey without any stress or hassle.

Indian Railways have made significant efforts to enhance their reservation system by introducing online booking and providing various payment options. These improvements have enabled passengers to book tickets and check the status of their reservations from home or while on the go.

The Indian Railway Reservation system has made great strides and, with continued improvements, will continue to provide an effortless booking experience for all passengers.