What is PNR?
PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every train ticket booked in Indian Railways. It contains important details like passenger information, train details, booking status, and journey details. The PNR is generated in the railway’s centralized database and can be used to track the status of a ticket.
How to Check PNR Status?
Passengers can check their PNR status through multiple methods:
1. IRCTC Website/App: Enter your PNR number on the official website (www.irctc.co.in) or mobile app.
2. Railway Enquiry Websites: Websites like www.indianrail.gov.in provide real-time status.
3. SMS Service: Send an SMS with the PNR number to 139 (Example: PNR to 139).
4. Railway Enquiry Counters: Visit a railway station inquiry counter to check manually.
Types of Ticket Booking in Indian Railways
Indian Railways offers multiple types of ticket booking to cater to different passenger needs:
1. General Booking
This is the standard reservation system where passengers book tickets in advance. Tickets are confirmed based on availability.
2. Tatkal Booking
Tatkal is an emergency booking system available for last-minute travel plans. It opens one day before the journey at 10:00 AM for AC classes and at 11:00 AM for sleeper classes. Tatkal tickets have dynamic pricing and a higher fare than regular tickets.
3. Premium Tatkal (PT)
Premium Tatkal is an advanced version of Tatkal with dynamic pricing based on demand. The fare increases as demand rises, similar to airline ticket pricing.
4. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation)
RAC is a semi-confirmed ticket status. Passengers with RAC tickets can board the train and get a shared berth. If confirmed passengers cancel, RAC ticket holders get a full berth.
5. Waiting List (WL)
When all reserved seats are booked, additional passengers are put on the waiting list (WL). If confirmed or RAC ticket holders cancel their tickets, WL passengers move up the list. If the ticket remains WL after chart preparation, the ticket gets automatically canceled (for e-tickets) and refunded.
6. Current Booking
This allows passengers to book tickets after the chart is prepared, usually a few hours before departure, subject to seat availability.
7. Ladies Quota Booking
A specific quota is reserved for female passengers, available in select trains.
8. Senior Citizen Quota
Passengers above 58 years (women) and 60 years (men) can avail of fare discounts under this category.
9. Foreign Tourist Quota
Indian Railways provides a dedicated quota for foreign tourists, available at specific railway reservation counters.
10. Defense and VIP Quota
Certain quotas are reserved for armed forces personnel, railway employees, and VIPs.
Ticket Confirmation Process
Train ticket confirmation follows this sequence:
Confirmed (CNF): A confirmed ticket with an allocated seat or berth.
RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): Allows travel but with a shared seat.
Waiting List (WL): If not confirmed, the ticket gets canceled for e-ticket holders.
Chart Preparation: Final ticket status is determined before train departure.
Methods of Booking Train Tickets
Passengers can book train tickets through different platforms:
1. Online Booking (IRCTC Website & App)
Visit www.irctc.co.in or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
Register or log in.
Enter journey details (source, destination, date).
Select train, class, and check availability.
Enter passenger details and make payment.
Ticket is confirmed instantly, and PNR is generated.
2. PRS (Passenger Reservation System) Counters
Visit the nearest railway station.
Fill out the reservation form with journey details.
Submit at the counter and pay via cash, card, or UPI.
3. Authorized Travel Agents
Indian Railways authorizes agents to book tickets, charging a small service fee.
4. UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) Mobile App
For local train passengers, the UTS app allows unreserved ticket booking.
Tatkal Booking Process in Indian Railways
Tatkal tickets are in high demand and get booked quickly. Here’s how to book them effectively:
Timing:
* AC classes: Booking opens at 10:00 AM, one day before travel.
* Sleeper class: Booking starts at 11:00 AM, one day before travel.
Steps to Book Online:
* Log in to IRCTC before the booking time.
* Enter journey details and search for Tatkal availability.
* Select train, enter passenger details, and proceed quickly.
* Make payment via net banking, UPI, or cards.
* Ticket gets confirmed based on availability.
Tatkal Booking Tips:
* Keep passenger details saved for faster booking.
* Use fast internet and log in before the booking starts.
* Prefer net banking or UPI for quicker transactions.
Refund Process for Canceled Tickets
Ticket refunds depend on the booking type and time of cancellation.
E-Ticket Cancellation & Refund
Confirmed Tickets:
* Cancel 48 hours before departure: Refund after deduction of cancellation charges.
* Cancel 12-48 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
* Cancel within 12 hours: 50% cancellation fee.
* No refund after chart preparation.
RAC/WL Tickets: Full refund if canceled before chart preparation.
Tatkal Tickets: No refund for confirmed Tatkal tickets.
Premium Tatkal: No refund.
Counter Ticket Cancellation & Refund
* Cancel at PRS counter; refund is processed at the station.
* Alternatively, cancel online and collect the refund at the counter.
Automatic Refunds for E-Tickets
If an e-ticket remains in WL after chart preparation, the amount is automatically refunded.
Conclusion
Understanding Indian Railway ticketing helps passengers make informed decisions while booking. Knowing about PNR, different ticket types, confirmation processes, booking methods, Tatkal strategies, and refund policies ensures hassle-free travel. For the latest updates, always check the IRCTC website or official railway sources.