Understanding Your PNR Status
The Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a unique 10-digit identifier generated by the Indian Railways computerized reservation system (CRS). It serves as a digital certificate holding critical journey details, including passenger demographics, itinerary, and fare payment status.
When you query your PNR on our platform, our systems retrieve real-time data to display the current reservation standing. Common statuses include CNF (Confirmed), which indicates an allotted berth; RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), which guarantees travel but with shared seating; and WL (Waitlist), indicating the passenger is in a queue for a confirmed seat.
Decoding the 10-Digit PNR Number
The PNR number is not random; it follows a specific logical structure defined by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS):
- First 3 Digits: Indicate the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) zone from where the ticket originates (e.g., 2 and 3 represent the Northern Zone: Delhi, NR, NCR, NWR).
- Next 7 Digits: A randomly generated unique sequence that maps to the passenger database containing details like age, gender, berth preference, and coach allocation.
Waitlist Classifications Explained
Indian Railways utilizes various waiting list quotas to manage seat allocation efficiently. Understanding these codes is crucial for predicting confirmation chances:
- GNWL (General Waiting List): Issued when a passenger begins their journey from the originating station. This category has the highest probability of confirmation.
- RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List): Issued for intermediate stations (e.g., a train from Mumbai to Delhi, but you board at Surat). These have lower confirmation priority than GNWL.
- PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List): Shared among several small intermediate stations. Confirmation chances are generally low.
- TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List): Issued for Tatkal tickets. These tickets do not go through RAC status; they either get confirmed or remain waitlisted.
Official Abbreviations Guide
| Code | Full Terminology | Status Implications |
|---|---|---|
| CNF | Confirmed | Berth allotted. Passenger can travel. |
| RAC | Reservation Against Cancellation | Travel allowed (shared seat). |
| GNWL | General Waiting List | Highest chance of confirmation. |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waiting List | issued for major intermediate stations. |
| TQWL | Tatkal Quota Waiting List | Direct confirmation priority (No RAC). |
| NOSB | No Seat Berth | Child below 12 years (half fare). |
| CAN | Cancelled | Ticket cancelled by passenger. |
| REL | Released | Seat released under specific quota. |