Do you also often get stuck in the waiting list while booking train tickets? Are you also curious to know when your waiting ticket can be confirmed? So today let us tell you how the waiting ticket works and up to what number the waiting ticket is likely to be confirmed.
Ticket booking in Indian Railways is a complex process. Especially during festival and holiday seasons when the number of passengers is very high, it is common to find waiting tickets. In such a situation, it becomes very important to know whether your waiting ticket will be confirmed or not. In this article, we will give you every little information related to waiting ticket, so that you can plan your journey better.
What is waiting ticket? (What is Waiting Ticket?)
Waiting ticket is a ticket which is issued when all the seats in the train have been booked. This means that you have not been allotted a seat immediately, but you may get a seat if a passenger cancels his ticket. Waiting tickets usually have a number written on them, such as WL 1, WL 2 etc. This number tells you where you are in the waiting list.
Key Features of Waiting Ticket
Speciality | Description |
Type | GNWL, RLWL, PQWL, TQWL etc. |
confirmation chance | Depending on ticket type and waiting number |
Refund Policy | Auto refund after chart creation |
travel permission | Only in General Coach (with some exceptions) |
upgradation | May change to RAC or Confirmed |
legality | until the chart is made |
boarding | Allowed in general coach only |
Fine | Applicable on travel in reserve coach |
Types of Waiting Tickets
There are many types of waiting tickets in Indian Railways. Let us know about them:
- GNWL (General Waiting List): This is the most common type of waiting ticket. It is issued to passengers who are starting their journey from the originating station of the train.
- RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List): It is issued for small stations. The chances of it being confirmed are high.
- PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List): It is issued for intermediate stations in long distance trains.
- TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List): Is issued for Tatkal tickets. The chances of it being confirmed are less.
- RSWL (Roadside Station Waiting List): Issued for small stations.
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, the ticket at the top of the waiting list is confirmed.
- No-show: Sometimes passengers with confirmed tickets do not travel. In such a situation, his seat is given to the passenger with waitlisted ticket.
- Emergency Quota: Railways have some seats kept for emergency situations. If these seats remain vacant, they are given to passengers with waitlisted tickets.
- Upgradation: Sometimes passengers from lower class are upgraded to higher class, thereby freeing up seats in the lower class.
Up to what number of waiting tickets are confirmed? (Till What Number Waiting Ticket Gets Confirmed?)
This question is very important and there is no definite answer to it. Confirmation of waiting ticket depends on several factors:
- Train Route: Waiting tickets get confirmed quickly in trains running between major cities.
- Travel time: During festivals and holidays waitlisted tickets have less chances of getting confirmed.
- Type of Coach: Wait waiting tickets in AC coaches are confirmed faster than sleeper coaches.
- Booking Time: If you book tickets in advance, chances of getting confirmed are higher.
Generally, waiting tickets up to 10-15 numbers get confirmed in GNWL. In RLWL this number can go up to 20-25. However, this is just an estimate and the actual situation may differ.
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: Visit the official website of IRCTC and enter your PNR number.
- You can know the status of your ticket by calling Railway Inquiry Number: 139.
- Mobile App: Use IRCTC’s official app or other train ticket 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 and Regulations for Waiting Tickets
It is important to follow some rules while traveling with a waiting ticket:
- Passengers with waiting tickets can travel only in general coach.
- If you are caught traveling in a reserved coach, you may have to pay a fine.
- Passengers with waitlisted tickets should wait till the chart is prepared.
- If the ticket is not confirmed, there is an automatic refund.
- In some cases, TTE may offer vacant seats to passengers with waitlisted tickets.
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.
Common questions related to waiting tickets (FAQs about Waiting Tickets)
- Can passengers with waitlisted tickets board the train?
Yes, but only in General Coach. - Is waiting ticket refundable?
Yes, if the ticket is not confirmed then full refund is available. - Are RAC and waiting ticket the same?
No, in RAC you get half the seat, whereas in waiting list you do not get any seat. - Is there waiting in Tatkal tickets?
Yes, as TQWL. - Is concession available on waiting tickets?
Yes, if you are eligible for concession then it will be available on waiting ticket also.
Disclaimer
This article has been written for general information purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Railway rules and procedures may change from time to time. Therefore, please contact the official website or helpline of Indian Railways before taking any important decision. We are not responsible for the consequences of any actions or decisions taken based on the information provided in this article.