Introduction:
Railway travel is an integral part of the transportation system in many countries around the world. With the advancement of technology and digitization, booking tickets online has become the norm for most travelers. However, understanding the various codes and abbreviations associated with booking tickets can be confusing for many passengers. One such code that often puzzles passengers is PQWL. In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning of PQWL, how it affects your ticket booking, and what you can do if you have a PQWL status on your ticket.
Understanding PQWL:
PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Wait List. To comprehend this term, we need to understand the concept of pooled quotas and waitlists in the Indian Railway system. The Indian Railways allocates a specific number of seats for different quotas like General Quota, Ladies Quota, Tatkal Quota, and others. The Pooled Quota is a quota that is shared by several small stations in a particular region. Passengers from these smaller stations can book tickets under the Pooled Quota.
When all the seats in the General Quota of a train are filled, the remaining passengers are placed on a Wait List. Similarly, when the quota for a particular station is filled, the additional passengers are placed on the PQWL. PQWL is specific to the pooled quota tickets booked from intermediate stations to a station beyond the destination station.
Key Points to Know about PQWL:
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Priority: PQWL has a relatively lower confirmation probability compared to GNWL (General Wait List) and RLWL (Remote Location Wait List). This is because the pooled quota has fewer seats allocated and serves multiple small stations.
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Movement: The movement of PQWL tickets depends on the cancellations from the pooled quota stations. If passengers from the pooled quota stations cancel their tickets, the PQWL passengers move up in the queue.
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Cancellation: It’s important to note that If your PQWL ticket does not get confirmed, it directly gets canceled, unlike RLWL which automatically gets transferred to GNWL upon cancellation.
Comparison with Other Wait Lists:
- GNWL (General Wait List):
- GNWL is given the highest priority for confirmation as it is for the general public.
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It is specific to the entire journey from start to end.
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RLWL (Remote Location Wait List):
- RLWL is for intermediate stations between the origin and destination stations.
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It has a slightly better confirmation chances than PQWL as it is allocated for remote locations.
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RLGN (Remote Location General Wait List):
- RLGN is a waitlist for general quota tickets for remote locations.
- It has fewer seats compared to RLWL but a better chance of confirmation.
Strategies for Dealing with PQWL:
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Monitoring your Status: Keep a close eye on your booking status through the official IRCTC website or app. Regularly check if there have been any cancellations to boost your chances of confirmation.
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Alternative Options: Explore alternative trains or booking from different/quicker routes to ensure a confirmed ticket.
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Opt for Premium Tatkal: If available, you can opt for the Premium Tatkal quota which may increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
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Consider Splitting the Journey: If your entire journey is not available on a single ticket, consider booking separate tickets for different legs of the journey to improve your chances of confirmation.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- What is the difference between PQWL and RLWL?
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PQWL is for pooled quota from small stations to the destination beyond, while RLWL is for intermediate stations between the origin and destination.
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How likely is it that a PQWL ticket will get confirmed?
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The confirmation of a PQWL ticket depends on the number of cancellations from the pooled quota stations. It has a lower probability of confirmation compared to GNWL.
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Can I cancel a PQWL ticket?
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Yes, a PQWL ticket can be canceled like any other ticket. If it does not get confirmed, it will be automatically canceled.
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Is there a chance of a PQWL ticket moving to RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)?
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No, PQWL tickets do not have the provision to move to RAC. It either gets confirmed or canceled.
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What happens if I have multiple passengers on a PQWL ticket?
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If all passengers on a PQWL ticket are not confirmed, the entire ticket is considered not confirmed, and all passengers will be on the same waitlist.
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Can I request a refund if my PQWL ticket does not get confirmed?
- Yes, if your PQWL ticket remains unconfirmed after the final chart preparation, you will automatically receive a refund.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of railway booking codes such as PQWL can enhance your ticket booking experience. By being aware of how PQWL functions, monitoring your status diligently, and exploring alternative options, you can navigate through the complexities of waitlisted tickets and increase your chances of securing a confirmed seat for your journey.
