Traveling in Indian Railways can be an exciting experience, but sometimes the process of ticket booking and confirmation can be a bit complicated. Especially when your ticket is in the waiting list, it is natural to feel worried. But do you know that you can get a confirmed ticket even after the railway chart is prepared?
In this article, we will tell you in detail how the process of Confirm Ticket and Waiting List works after the railway chart is made. We will also tell you how you can get your waiting ticket confirmed and what are the options if your ticket is not confirmed.
What is railway chart? (What is Railway Chart?)
Railway chart is an important document which shows the list of all the passengers of the train and their seat allotment. This chart is prepared before the departure of the train and contains many important information.
Main Features of Railway Chart
| Speciality | Description |
| first chart | Ready 4 hours before train departure |
| final chart | Ready 30 minutes before train departure |
| passenger list | List of all confirmed and RAC passengers |
| seat allocation | Seat/berth number allotted to each passenger |
| waiting list | Status of passengers in waiting list |
| vacant seats | Information about available vacant seats |
Different Ticket Statuses
When you book railway tickets, you may get one of three statuses:
- Confirmed Ticket: You are guaranteed a seat/berth.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): You will get a seat but may not get the entire berth.
- Waiting List: You have not been allotted a seat yet.
How is a waiting ticket confirmed? (How Waiting Ticket Gets Confirmed?)
Confirmation of waiting ticket depends on several factors:
- Cancellation: When a passenger cancels his confirmed ticket.
- No-show: Passengers with confirmed tickets do not travel.
- Emergency Quota: Vacant seats are given to waiting passengers.
- Upgradation: Sometimes passengers from lower class are upgraded to higher class.
Booking After Chart Preparation
Do you know that it is possible to book tickets even after the chart is prepared? This is a special facility of IRCTC which gives passengers a chance to get confirmed tickets even at the last minute.
Charts/Vacancy feature of IRCTC
There is a feature called Charts/Vacancy on the IRCTC website which gives you information about vacant seats even after the chart is prepared. To use it:
- Go to IRCTC website.
- Click on the Charts/Vacancy tab.
- Select train number, journey date and class.
- View and book vacant seats.
Current Ticket Counter
Current ticket counter at the railway station is also an option to book tickets after chart preparation. This counter:
- It remains open after the chart is prepared and till before the departure of the train.
- Makes reservation of vacant seats.
- Available in both online and offline modes.
How to check waiting ticket status? (How to Check Waiting Ticket Status?)
It is very easy to know the status of your waiting ticket. You can check this in several ways:
- IRCTC website: Check status by entering PNR number.
- Get information by calling Railway Inquiry Number: 139.
- Mobile App: Use IRCTC official app or other train apps.
- SMS: Send SMS for PNR status from your registered mobile number.
- Railway Station: Visit any railway station and inquire from the inquiry counter.
Rules for Waiting Tickets
It is important to follow some rules while traveling with a waiting ticket:
- Passengers with waitlisted tickets can travel only in general coach.
- Traveling in reserve coach may attract fine.
- If the ticket is not confirmed then automatic refund is done.
Tips to Get Waiting Ticket Confirmed
There are some steps you can take to get your waiting ticket confirmed:
- Advance Booking: Book tickets as early as possible.
- Flexible Dates: If possible, make some changes in the travel dates.
- Alternate Trains: Book tickets on less crowded trains.
- Higher Class: If budget is not a problem then book tickets in AC class.
- VIKALP Scheme: Under this scheme you can get a seat in another train.
- Regular Check: Keep checking the status of your ticket regularly.
What to do if waiting ticket is not confirmed? (What to Do if Waiting Ticket is Not Confirmed?)
If your waiting ticket is not confirmed then there is no need to panic. You may consider these options:
- Tatkal Tickets: Try to book tickets in Tatkal Kota.
- Alternate Train: Book a ticket in another train.
- Bus or flight: If possible, travel by bus or flight.
- Postpone the journey: If it is not necessary, postpone the journey a bit.
New Initiative: Automatic Upgradation of Railways
Indian Railways has recently started a new initiative called Automatic Upgradation. Under this facility:
- Lower class passengers can be upgraded to higher class.
- This process happens automatically when the chart is created.
- This frees up seats in the lower class which can be given to waiting list passengers.
Disclaimer
This article has been written for information purposes only. Railway rules and procedures may change from time to time. Therefore, always get the latest information from the IRCTC official website or railway station before travelling. Confirmation of waiting ticket depends on many factors and cannot be guaranteed.
