The Indian Railways carries millions of passengers every day, making it one of the largest railway networks in the world. To cater to the diverse needs of passengers, the railways offers a variety of ticket types ranging from Confirmed to Waitlisted, with each ticket type represented by a unique symbol. Understanding these symbols is crucial for passengers to know the status of their ticket. This article presents a comprehensive comparison guide of the different ticket types and symbols used by the Indian Railways.
Millions of Indians prefer traveling by train, making it a unique experience in itself. To accommodate different needs and budgets of passengers, the Indian Railways offers a diverse range of ticket types. However, the different ticket types and symbols can be confusing, especially for first-time travelers. It is crucial for passengers to understand the ticket types and symbols used by the Indian Railways to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey. This article provides a detailed comparison guide of the various ticket types and symbols used by the Indian Railways, enabling passengers to make informed decisions when booking their tickets.
Cancelled or Modified Passenger (CAN / MOD) ticket type
Among the different types of tickets available in the PRS, the Cancelled or Modified Passenger (CAN/MOD) ticket type holds significance as it facilitates passengers to modify or cancel their bookings when required.
The CAN/MOD ticket type is a provision offered by Indian Railways to passengers who have booked tickets through the PRS but wish to either cancel or modify their travel plans. This facility is useful for passengers who have unexpected changes in their schedule or need to reschedule their travel due to various reasons like personal emergencies, medical emergencies, etc.
When a passenger cancels a ticket, the CAN ticket is generated, and when a passenger modifies the ticket, the MOD ticket is generated. The CAN/MOD ticket can be generated only for confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets and not for waitlisted tickets. The ticket cancellation or modification can be done online through the Indian Railways website or at any railway reservation counter across the country.
There are certain rules and regulations associated with the CAN/MOD ticket type that passengers need to be aware of. Firstly, the cancellation or modification should be done within a specific period to be eligible for a refund. For example, if a passenger cancels a ticket 48 hours before the scheduled departure, a refund of 50% of the ticket fare will be granted, and if the cancellation is done less than 48 hours before the departure, no refund will be granted. Similarly, for modifying a ticket, a passenger needs to do it at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
Secondly, certain deductions are made from the refund amount in case of cancellations. The deductions include a clerkage charge of Rs. 60 for every passenger and cancellation charges based on the class of travel and the time of cancellation. The cancellation charges vary from 25% to 50% of the ticket fare depending on the class of travel and the time of cancellation.
Thirdly, the CAN/MOD ticket type is not applicable for tickets booked under certain categories like Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, Suvidha, etc. These tickets are non-refundable, and no modifications are allowed.
Confirmed (Coach/Berth number will be available after chart preparation) (CNF / Confirmed) type of tickets
The Confirmed (Coach/Berth number will be available after chart preparation) (CNF / Confirmed) type of ticket is one of the most sought-after by passengers.
The CNF ticket type is a ticket that is confirmed by the Indian Railways for a specific train, class, and date of travel. This ticket guarantees a seat or berth to the passenger for the journey. The coach and berth number, however, will be allocated only after the chart is prepared, which is usually done 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. The chart preparation time may vary depending on the train’s departure time and route.
The CNF ticket type is available for all classes of travel, including AC and non-AC classes, and is applicable for both one-way and round-trip journeys. Passengers can book CNF tickets through the Indian Railways website, mobile application, or any railway reservation counter across the country.
One of the major advantages of the CNF ticket type is that it provides a confirmed seat or berth to the passenger, ensuring a hassle-free journey. This is especially useful for passengers traveling long distances or during peak seasons when trains tend to get overcrowded. The CNF ticket also allows the passenger to plan their journey in advance, making it easier to arrange for accommodation, transportation, and other necessary arrangements.
However, it is important to note that the availability of CNF tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and CNF tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like RAC or waitlisted tickets.
Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) type of ticket
The Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) ticket is a popular choice among passengers.
The RAC ticket type is a provision offered by the Indian Railways to passengers when all the seats or berths in a particular train and class are booked. The RAC ticket guarantees the passenger a seat or berth on the train, but not a confirmed one. This means that the passenger will have to share the seat or berth with another passenger. The RAC ticket is applicable for both one-way and round-trip journeys and is available for all classes of travel, including AC and non-AC classes.
When a passenger books an RAC ticket, a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is generated, which serves as a reference for the ticket. The RAC ticket allows the passenger to board the train, and the passenger can occupy the seat or berth allocated to them. However, the RAC ticket does not guarantee a specific seat or berth number, and the coach and berth number will be allocated only after the chart is prepared, which is usually done 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
One of the advantages of the RAC ticket is that it provides the passenger with a chance to travel on the train, even when all the seats or berths are booked. This is especially useful during peak seasons when trains tend to get overcrowded. The RAC ticket also allows the passenger to plan their journey in advance, making it easier to arrange for accommodation, transportation, and other necessary arrangements.
However, it is important to note that the availability of RAC tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and RAC tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like waitlisted tickets.
Waiting List Number (WL #) type of ticket
The Waiting List Number (WL #) type of ticket is one of the most common.
The WL ticket type is a provisional ticket issued to passengers when all the seats or berths in a particular train and class are booked. The WL ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth to the passenger, and the passenger is placed on a waiting list. The WL ticket is applicable for both one-way and round-trip journeys and is available for all classes of travel, including AC and non-AC classes.
When a passenger books a WL ticket, a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is generated, which serves as a reference for the ticket. The passenger’s status on the waiting list is denoted by a number, which can range from WL1 to WL100, depending on the number of passengers on the waiting list. The higher the number, the further down the waiting list the passenger is.
As passengers with confirmed tickets cancel their reservations, seats or berths become available, and the waiting list is cleared. The WL ticket holders are then moved up the waiting list, and if a seat or berth becomes available, they are allotted the same. The coach and berth number will be allocated only after the chart is prepared, which is usually done 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
One of the major advantages of the WL ticket type is that it provides the passenger with a chance to travel on the train, even when all the seats or berths are booked. This is especially useful during peak seasons when trains tend to get overcrowded. However, the WL ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth, and passengers may have to travel without one, which can be inconvenient, especially for long journeys.
It is important to note that the availability of WL tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and WL tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like RAC tickets.
Remote Location Wait List (RLWL) type of ticket
The Remote Location Wait List (RLWL) type of ticket is one of the lesser-known but important ones.
The RLWL ticket is a unique ticket type that is issued when a passenger is traveling from a remote location to a major station or city. When a passenger books an RLWL ticket, the passenger’s status is placed on a waiting list, which is separate from the regular waiting list for that train and class. The RLWL ticket is applicable for both one-way and round-trip journeys and is available for all classes of travel, including AC and non-AC classes.
When a passenger books an RLWL ticket, a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is generated, which serves as a reference for the ticket. The passenger’s status on the waiting list is denoted by a number, which can range from RLWL1 to RLWL100, depending on the number of passengers on the waiting list. The higher the number, the further down the waiting list the passenger is.
The RLWL ticket works differently from the regular waiting list ticket. When a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, their seat or berth is allotted to a passenger on the regular waiting list. However, in the case of an RLWL ticket, if a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, the seat or berth is allotted to the passenger with the highest priority on the RLWL list for that particular station or city. This means that a passenger with an RLWL ticket may have to wait longer than a passenger on the regular waiting list to get a seat or berth.
One of the major advantages of the RLWL ticket type is that it provides the passenger with a chance to travel on the train, even when all the seats or berths are booked. This is especially useful for passengers traveling from remote locations to major cities, where the demand for tickets is high. However, the RLWL ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth, and passengers may have to travel without one, which can be inconvenient, especially for long journeys.
It is important to note that the availability of RLWL tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class for that particular station or city. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and RLWL tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like RAC tickets or waitlisted tickets.
General Wait List (GNWL) type of ticket
The comfort of their homes or offices. Among the different types of tickets available in the PRS, the General Wait List (GNWL) type of ticket is one of the most common and important ones.
The GNWL ticket is a type of ticket that is issued when a passenger books a ticket from the originating station to the destination station. When a passenger books a GNWL ticket, the passenger’s status is placed on a waiting list, which is common for all stations between the originating station and the destination station. The GNWL ticket is applicable for both one-way and round-trip journeys and is available for all classes of travel, including AC and non-AC classes.
When a passenger books a GNWL ticket, a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is generated, which serves as a reference for the ticket. The passenger’s status on the waiting list is denoted by a number, which can range from GNWL1 to GNWL300, depending on the number of passengers on the waiting list. The higher the number, the further down the waiting list the passenger is.
The GNWL ticket works differently from other types of waiting list tickets, such as RAC or RLWL tickets. When a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, their seat or berth is allotted to a passenger on the waiting list for that particular station or city. However, in the case of a GNWL ticket, if a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, the seat or berth is allotted to the passenger with the highest priority on the GNWL list for that particular station or city. This means that a passenger with a GNWL ticket has a higher chance of getting a seat or berth than a passenger with an RAC or RLWL ticket.
One of the major advantages of the GNWL ticket type is that it provides the passenger with a better chance of getting a seat or berth on the train. This is especially useful for passengers traveling from the originating station to the destination station, where the demand for tickets is high. However, the GNWL ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth, and passengers may have to travel without one, which can be inconvenient, especially for long journeys.
It is important to note that the availability of GNWL tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class for all stations between the originating station and the destination station. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and GNWL tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like RAC or waitlisted tickets.
Pooled Quota Wait List (PQWL) type of ticket
The Pooled Quota Wait List (PQWL) type of ticket is an important one.
The PQWL ticket is a type of waitlist ticket that is issued when a passenger books a ticket from an intermediate station to the destination station. The PQWL ticket is based on a pooled quota system, which means that the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class is shared between different intermediate stations.
When a passenger books a PQWL ticket, a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is generated, which serves as a reference for the ticket. The passenger’s status on the waiting list is denoted by a number, which can range from PQWL1 to PQWL200, depending on the number of passengers on the waiting list. The higher the number, the further down the waiting list the passenger is.
The PQWL ticket works differently from other types of waiting list tickets, such as RAC or RLWL tickets. When a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, their seat or berth is allotted to a passenger on the waiting list for that particular station or city. However, in the case of a PQWL ticket, if a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, the seat or berth is allotted to the passenger with the highest priority on the PQWL list for that particular intermediate station.
One of the major advantages of the PQWL ticket type is that it provides the passenger with a better chance of getting a seat or berth on the train than an RLWL or RAC ticket. This is especially useful for passengers traveling from intermediate stations, where the demand for tickets is not as high as the originating station. However, the PQWL ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth, and passengers may have to travel without one, which can be inconvenient, especially for long journeys.
It is important to note that the availability of PQWL tickets is subject to the number of seats or berths available in a particular train and class for all intermediate stations between the booking station and the destination station. During peak seasons, the demand for tickets is high, and PQWL tickets may not be available, and passengers may have to opt for other types of tickets like RAC or waitlisted tickets.
No More Booking Permitted (REGRET/WL) type of ticket
The No More Booking Permitted (REGRET/WL) type of ticket is an important one.
The REGRET/WL ticket is a type of waiting list ticket that is issued when all the available seats or berths in a particular train and class have been booked, and there are no more seats or berths available for booking. In such cases, the passenger is added to the waiting list, and their status on the waiting list is denoted by a number, which can range from WL1 to WL200, depending on the number of passengers on the waiting list. The higher the number, the further down the waiting list the passenger is.
When all the available seats or berths have been booked, the system displays a message stating that “No More Booking Permitted” or “REGRET/WL” and provides the passenger with the option to book a waiting list ticket. The passenger can choose to book a waiting list ticket, and if a confirmed seat or berth becomes available due to a cancellation, the passenger is automatically allotted a seat or berth on the train.
However, it is important to note that the chances of getting a confirmed seat or berth on a REGRET/WL ticket are very low, and passengers may have to travel without a seat or berth, which can be inconvenient, especially for long journeys. Passengers with REGRET/WL tickets should plan their travel accordingly and make alternative arrangements, if necessary.
One of the major disadvantages of the REGRET/WL ticket type is that it does not provide the passenger with any priority on the waiting list. When a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, their seat or berth is allotted to a passenger on the waiting list for that particular station or city. However, in the case of a REGRET/WL ticket, if a passenger with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation, the seat or berth is allotted to the passenger with the highest priority on the waiting list for that particular station or city, irrespective of the number on the REGRET/WL waiting list.
Ticket Not Cancelled but Alternative Accommodation Provided (RELEASED) type of ticket
The Ticket Not Cancelled but Alternative Accommodation Provided (RELEASED) type of ticket. This type of ticket is issued to passengers when their original reservation is not confirmed, but the railway authorities have been able to provide alternative accommodation on the same train or on a different train.
The RELEASED ticket type is issued when the passenger has booked a ticket in a particular train and class but has been placed on the waiting list due to unavailability of seats or berths. If a confirmed seat or berth is not available on the original train, the railway authorities may provide the passenger with an alternative accommodation on the same train or on a different train, subject to availability.
When the railway authorities are able to provide alternative accommodation, the original ticket remains valid, and the passenger is issued a RELEASED ticket instead of a waiting list ticket. The RELEASED ticket contains the same details as the original ticket, including the train number, class, date of travel, and boarding station, but with a different seat or berth number.
Passengers with RELEASED tickets should be aware that the alternative accommodation provided may not be in the same class as their original reservation. For example, if a passenger has booked a ticket in a second-class sleeper coach, the alternative accommodation provided may be in a different class, such as a second-class AC coach.
Passengers with RELEASED tickets are advised to check the new seat or berth number on the RELEASED ticket and verify the coach and berth details with the train staff. They should also ensure that their luggage is properly tagged with the new coach and berth number to avoid confusion or loss of luggage.
It is important to note that if the passenger does not wish to travel on the alternative accommodation provided, they can cancel their ticket and claim a refund as per the Indian Railways refund rules. However, once the passenger boards the train on the alternative accommodation provided, the ticket cannot be cancelled, and no refund will be provided.
RAC Coach Number Berth Number (R# #) type of ticket
The RAC Coach Number Berth Number (R# #) type of ticket. RAC stands for Reservation Against Cancellation, which means that passengers holding RAC tickets are allowed to board the train, but their seat or berth number is not confirmed until the final chart preparation.
The R# # ticket type is issued when the passenger has booked a ticket, but their reservation status is placed on the RAC list due to unavailability of seats or berths in their chosen train and class. RAC tickets are divided into two categories: RAC Coach Number Berth Number (R# #) and RAC Coach Number Waiting Number (R#W#).
Passengers with R# # tickets are allocated a berth number or seat number in the RAC coach after the final chart preparation, which is generally done 2-3 hours before the train’s departure time. The RAC coach generally consists of two rows of seats or berths facing each other with a central passage. Each seat or berth in the RAC coach is shared by two passengers.
Passengers with R# # tickets are allowed to board the train and occupy their seat or berth in the RAC coach. They can use the facilities provided in the train, such as bedding and catering services. However, since RAC tickets do not guarantee a confirmed seat or berth, passengers may have to share their seat or berth with another passenger until their reservation is confirmed.
Passengers with R# # tickets should note that their berth or seat number may change after the final chart preparation, depending on the number of cancellations and the availability of seats or berths. The final chart preparation is generally done 2-3 hours before the train’s departure time, and passengers can check their updated reservation status on the Indian Railways website or by sending an SMS to a designated number.
In case the passenger’s reservation status is not confirmed after the final chart preparation, they are not allowed to board the train, and their ticket is treated as a cancelled ticket. However, in such cases, the passenger is eligible for a refund as per the Indian Railways refund rules.
Railway Counter Ticket Passenger cancelled through internet and Refund not collected (WEBCAN) type of ticket
At times, passengers may have to cancel their tickets due to unforeseen circumstances. One of the types of tickets for a cancelled railway ticket is the Railway Counter Ticket Passenger cancelled through internet and Refund not collected (WEBCAN) ticket.
WEBCAN tickets are issued to passengers who have booked their tickets through a railway reservation counter and have canceled their tickets through the Indian Railways website. When a passenger cancels their ticket online, the system generates a WEBCAN ticket, which is essentially a confirmation of the cancellation of the original ticket. The WEBCAN ticket contains information such as the PNR number, the passenger’s name, the train number, the date of travel, and the class of travel.
If the passenger has not collected their refund for the cancelled ticket, then the WEBCAN ticket serves as proof of cancellation. It is essential to note that passengers must collect their refund within the stipulated time frame, failing which the refund amount will be forfeited, and the passenger will not be eligible for a refund.
Passengers holding WEBCAN tickets are not allowed to board the train as their original ticket has been canceled. In case a passenger with a WEBCAN ticket is found traveling on the train, they may be charged with a penalty and removed from the train at the next station.
Passengers holding WEBCAN tickets can claim their refund through the railway reservation counter by producing the original canceled ticket, the WEBCAN ticket, and valid identification. The refund will be processed as per the Indian Railways refund rules.
Railway Counter Ticket Passenger cancelled through internet and Refund collected (WEBCANRF) type of ticket
One of the types of tickets for a canceled railway ticket is the Railway Counter Ticket Passenger canceled through the internet and Refund collected (WEBCANRF) ticket.
WEBCANRF tickets are issued to passengers who have booked their tickets through a railway reservation counter and have canceled their tickets through the Indian Railways website. When a passenger cancels their ticket online, the system generates a WEBCANRF ticket, which is essentially a confirmation of the cancellation of the original ticket and proof that the refund amount has been collected by the passenger.
The WEBCANRF ticket contains information such as the PNR number, the passenger’s name, the train number, the date of travel, and the class of travel. The ticket also includes the refund amount that the passenger has collected.
Passengers holding WEBCANRF tickets are not allowed to board the train as their original ticket has been canceled. However, unlike WEBCAN tickets, the WEBCANRF ticket serves as proof of cancellation and refund collection. Therefore, passengers who have collected their refund can retain the WEBCANRF ticket for their records.
It is essential to note that passengers must collect their refund within the stipulated time frame, failing which the refund amount will be forfeited, and the passenger will not be eligible for a refund.
Roadside Quota Waitlist (RQWL) type of ticket
The Roadside Quota Waitlist (RQWL) is a type of waitlist ticket that is allotted to passengers traveling from stations that are not the originating or terminating station of the train. This quota is created for passengers who want to board the train from stations en route and are unable to secure a confirmed reservation from their boarding station. This ticket is issued against a specific quota and is only applicable for a particular segment of the journey.
The RQWL ticket is similar to the general waitlist (GNWL) ticket, except that it is assigned to passengers traveling from stations that are not the originating or terminating station. The number of RQWL tickets is limited and varies depending on the route and the train. If there are any cancellations of confirmed tickets, the RQWL ticket holders are given preference over the general waitlist ticket holders.
Passengers holding an RQWL ticket must keep track of the status of their ticket and check for updates regularly. The status of the RQWL ticket can change depending on cancellations or if there is a release of additional seats by the railway authorities. If the status of the ticket moves to confirmed, the passenger will be allotted a seat or berth, and their coach and berth number will be updated on the ticket.
If the RQWL ticket does not move to a confirmed status, passengers may choose to travel on the train with the ticket and try to secure a seat or berth in any vacant spot. However, the RQWL ticket holders are not guaranteed a seat or berth on the train and may have to travel in an unreserved compartment.
Duty Pass Waitlist (DPWL) type of ticket
The Duty Pass Waitlist (DPWL) ticket is a waitlist ticket that is issued to railway employees and their families. The ticket is issued against a specific quota reserved for railway employees and is only applicable for a particular segment of the journey. This quota is created to allow railway employees and their families to travel on duty or on personal trips at a subsidized rate.
The DPWL ticket is similar to the general waitlist (GNWL) ticket, except that it is assigned to railway employees and their families. The number of DPWL tickets is limited and varies depending on the route and the train. If there are any cancellations of confirmed tickets, the DPWL ticket holders are given preference over the general waitlist ticket holders.
Passengers holding a DPWL ticket must keep track of the status of their ticket and check for updates regularly. The status of the DPWL ticket can change depending on cancellations or if there is a release of additional seats by the railway authorities. If the status of the ticket moves to confirmed, the passenger will be allotted a seat or berth, and their coach and berth number will be updated on the ticket.
If the DPWL ticket does not move to a confirmed status, passengers may choose to travel on the train with the ticket and try to secure a seat or berth in any vacant spot. However, the DPWL ticket holders are not guaranteed a seat or berth on the train and may have to travel in an unreserved compartment.
Tatkal Quota Waitlist (TQWL) type of ticket
The Tatkal Quota is a reservation quota that allows passengers to book tickets at the last minute. The TQWL ticket is issued to passengers who book their tickets under the Tatkal quota, but their booking is not confirmed.
The TQWL ticket is similar to other waitlist tickets, but it is specific to the Tatkal quota. The number of TQWL tickets is limited and varies depending on the route and the train. The status of the TQWL ticket changes only if there are any cancellations of confirmed Tatkal tickets. The passengers holding a TQWL ticket are given priority over the general waitlist (GNWL) ticket holders.
The TQWL tickets are booked under the Tatkal quota, which means the fare is higher than the regular booking fare. The Tatkal quota is available for most of the trains except for a few trains that do not have the facility of the Tatkal quota. The booking for the Tatkal quota starts one day before the actual journey date.
Passengers holding a TQWL ticket must keep track of the status of their ticket and check for updates regularly. The status of the TQWL ticket can change depending on cancellations or if there is a release of additional seats by the railway authorities. If the status of the ticket moves to confirmed, the passenger will be allotted a seat or berth, and their coach and berth number will be updated on the ticket.
If the TQWL ticket does not move to a confirmed status, the passenger may choose to travel on the train with the ticket and try to secure a seat or berth in any vacant spot. However, the TQWL ticket holders are not guaranteed a seat or berth on the train and may have to travel in an unreserved compartment.
Passenger Not Turned Up (NT) type of ticket
Passenger Not Turned Up (NT) is a type of ticket issued by Indian Railways to passengers who did not show up for their journey. It is a unique ticket category that is rarely issued, and the booking rules for NT tickets are different from regular tickets.
If a passenger has booked a ticket but does not show up for the journey, the Indian Railways system marks the ticket as a No-Show. The railway authorities may issue an NT ticket on the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) number for the unutilized portion of the ticket. The unutilized portion refers to the distance that the passenger did not travel.
The NT ticket is issued to the passenger who is on the waitlist and is next in line for the confirmed berth or seat. The railway authorities issue the NT ticket on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is subject to availability. If the passenger who has booked the NT ticket does not show up, the ticket will be canceled, and no refund will be issued.
Passengers who have booked an NT ticket must ensure that they are present at the station before the train’s departure time. They should carry a valid ID proof and their original ticket along with the NT ticket. The NT ticket holder can board the train and occupy the seat or berth that is vacant due to the no-show of the original passenger.
It is essential to note that the NT ticket does not guarantee a seat or berth on the train. It is issued based on the availability of seats or berths on the train, and the railway authorities reserve the right to cancel the ticket if there is a discrepancy.
What’s difference between between WL, RLWL, GNWL, PQWL, TQWL, DPWL and RQWL types of ticket?
Here are the comparison of the different waitlist types in Indian Railways:
| Waitlist Type | Full Form | Availability Priority | Quota | Route | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WL | Waitlist | Lowest | General | Direct Trains | Passengers on this waitlist have the lowest priority for getting confirmed tickets. They may or may not get a confirmed seat depending on cancellations. |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waitlist | Higher than WL | Remote Location | Direct Trains | This waitlist is for intermediate stations between the origin and destination, not covered by other waitlists. Passengers have higher chances of confirmation. |
| GNWL | General Waitlist | Higher than RLWL | General | Direct Trains | Passengers on this waitlist have higher chances of confirmation as it covers the entire route of the train. |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waitlist | Higher than GNWL | Pooled Quota | Direct/Connecting | This waitlist is assigned to passengers who have booked from an intermediate station and are not covered by GNWL or RLWL. |
| TQWL | Tatkal Quota Waitlist | Highest | Tatkal Quota | Direct/Connecting | This waitlist is for passengers booking under the Tatkal scheme. They have the highest priority but also have the highest cancellation rate. |
| DPWL | Duty Pass Quota Waitlist | Higher than TQWL | Duty Pass Quota | Direct/Connecting | This waitlist is for passengers traveling on duty passes issued to railway employees. |
| RQWL | Roadside Quota Waitlist | Higher than DPWL | Roadside Quota | Direct/Connecting | This waitlist is for passengers who have booked tickets at a roadside station or a station outside the train’s originating station. |
Point-wise comparison:
- WL (Waitlist) is the general waitlist type for all direct trains, whereas other waitlist types are assigned based on certain criteria.
- RLWL (Remote Location Waitlist) is for passengers boarding at an intermediate station not covered by other waitlists, while GNWL (General Waitlist) covers the entire route of the train.
- PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist) is for passengers booking from an intermediate station, and TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waitlist) is for passengers booking under the Tatkal scheme.
- DPWL (Duty Pass Quota Waitlist) is for passengers traveling on duty passes issued to railway employees, while RQWL (Roadside Quota Waitlist) is for passengers who have booked tickets at a roadside station or a station outside the train’s originating station.
- The waitlist priority is higher for RLWL, GNWL, PQWL, TQWL, DPWL, and RQWL in that order.
- Passengers on the higher priority waitlists have a better chance of getting confirmed seats as compared to those on lower priority waitlists.
- Passengers on TQWL have the highest priority but also have the highest cancellation rate.
- Passengers on DPWL and RQWL have higher priority than TQWL but lower than PQWL, GNWL, and RLWL.
