The most concerning thing about a trip for many train passengers is the PNR status. Though it’s a commonly used terminology, few understand what PNR means or how helpful it is for checking the progress of a ticket booking. A PNR holds details about your train trip and the centralized database of Indian Railways stores them. Live PNR status also gives users clarity on whether or not they will receive an upgrade from their waitlisted position to a confirmed state.
Read more to learn about the significant role of IRCTC PNR numbers.
Understand the Ten-digit PNR Code
The abbreviation “PNR” refers to “Passenger Name Record.” Each traveller purchasing a railway ticket receives a distinct numeric code, called the PNR number. This ten-digit PNR code encloses all your personal data and train-related itinerary. A ticket’s booking and present status are recorded in separate columns of an IRCTC PNR. Every train ticket has a unique identity denoted by a PNR code which is distinct for individual trips.
Your ticket will have a PNR number of 10 digits regardless of how you purchased it; at a counter or online. Since each train has a restricted number of berths, your ticket may likely end up on the waitlist (W/L) instead of being confirmed. When a customer cancels a ticket for a reserved seat, it opens up the prospect of confirmation of a waitlisted ticket. The new name for the current reservation state is “PNR status.”
Data You Can Find in a PNR Number
Following is the data about a passenger’s train trip that a unique 10-digit PNR number encloses:
- The PNR number includes passenger information, including name, age, date of birth, and gender.
- Specifications on a train ticket usually include the train’s number and name, the departure time, the beginning and ending stations, the passenger’s class, the passenger’s seat number, and any applicable quotas.
- It stores the ticket cost, transaction method, and other financial information as well.
- The first three digits of a unique PNR code indicate the Passenger Reservation System (PRS).
- The first number of the train’s PNR designates the train’s starting station based on the train’s zone.
Locate the PNR Code on Train Tickets
A counter-booked ticket will have a ten-digit number in the upper left corner. If you bought your ticket through E-Ticket, the 10-digit number you were assigned would be listed in a header row. I’d also want to mention that while buying a group ticket, only six people can share a single PNR number.
Know the Various PNR and Waitlist Statuses
Checking a passenger’s name record (PNR) allows one to learn the current ticket status. If your ticket is on the waiting list, you can check the status of your reservation by entering the PNR number provided. When all other reserve ticket holders cancel it, the Indian Railways will process your purchase. After upgrading your ticket to a reserved one, you’ll be able to choose your seat, coach, etc. With the PNR number, you may learn all of this and more.
Varieties of Waiting List Ticket Types
Here are some major waiting tickets categories you should know:
- People on the General Waiting List(GNWL) have the best chance of being confirmed.
- Tatkal Waiting List (CKWL) tickets have a lower PNR confirmation probability than GNWL tickets.
- The likelihood of a ticket confirmation via the Remote Location Waiting List(RLWL) is minimal.
- Converting a waiting ticket into a reserved one is slightly less likely for those on the PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List).
- Chances for Remote Location General Waiting List (RLGN) obtaining a confirmed ticket are slim.
- Request Waiting List Tickets (RQWL) have the lowest confirmation odds compared to RLGN.
- Confirmation from the Roadside Station Waiting List (RSWL) is extremely unlikely.
Learn about the Different PNR Statuses
Some of the abbreviations on a ticket or PNR status page may leave you scratching your head, and you may want to know what they mean. Here is a brief overview of a few such abbreviations:
- CNF: It affirms you have a confirmed ticket.
- RAC: It guarantees you a replacement if another passenger cancels their reservation. But you can still get on the train. It’s the short form of Reservation Against Cancellation.
- Waiting list: Tickets for which no specific seating location has been determined are designated a waitlisted status(WL). When a previously reserved or confirmed ticket is cancelled by the original purchaser, it is confirmed. If the chart is made, and your IRCTC PNR status is still WL, you will not be allowed to board the train.
- CAN: Abbreviation for Cancelled Ticket.
Methods for Verifying PNR Status
Following are the techniques to verify your PNR or waiting status:
- Access any desktop browser to determine your latest PNR status.
- Check the most updated reservation status using the SMS service. SMS PNR to 139.
- Use Railway Enquiry Number- Call 139.
- Get mobile applications on your phone to verify real-time PNR on the go.
- Visit Railway enquiry counters.
- Search on the final reservation charts.
View the IRCTC PNR Status on the Best Online Platform
A reserved ticket placed on a waiting list may become a CNF (confirmed) ticket later on. Waiting list tickets are the ones that have been purchased but not yet allotted a specific berth. The waiting list ticket does not carry a coach or train seat number because there are no empty seats. You may get a confirmation status on a ticket on the waiting list up to the time the train departs. However, a train may append extra coaches depending upon the cancellation status of previously purchased tickets. Your 10-digit PNR number is enough to let you discover the confirmation status of your ticket.
Using RailMitra rail app‘s smart online resources you can instantly view the position of your waitlisted IRCTC rail ticket. To learn about your PNR status on RailMitra, input your 10-digit PNR number into the relevant field and click the Check PNR Status button.
In addition, you can check the likelihood that your waiting list tickets will be verified by using RailMitra PNR Status Prediction.
Advantages of PNR Enquiry through RailMitra’s Online Platform
Track a traveler’s itinerary on a train in great detail, down to the individual seat number, the date of travel, the train number, the train name, the boarding station, the total amount paid, and more.
- It automatically updates your seat status (confirmed, waiting list, or available).
- You can also find out how many other passengers have booking priority over you.
- You get a full refund if you do not have a CNF (confirmed) ticket, until just before the preparation of train chart.
- You can modify your departure or arrival time on the final day of your trip with its assistance.
- Using a railway food app such as RailRestro, you can reserve meals onboard a train in advance by entering your PNR number.
- Once Indian Railways publishes the final IRCTC chart, you can also look it up.
RailMitra is an AI-driven service platform committed to delivering train passengers a delightful trip every time they board an IRCTC train. It helps you with a bunch of train services like train timetables, live PNR status, train b/w station, train live station, train running status and more. What’s more? You can even place your food on train orders through RailRestro, the authorised e-catering partner of RailMitra.
Authored By: RailMitra App
