What is GNWL in Train?

What is GNWL in Train? GNWL stands for General Waitlist. It is the most common type of waitlist in Indian train ticket booking.

When passengers book tickets from the train’s originating station or a station close to it, and all available seats are booked, they are placed on the General Waitlist (GNWL).

Table of Contents

What is GNWL in Train Ticket Booking?

How GNWL Works in IRCTC

1. Booking Status:

When you book a train ticket and it shows GNWL, it means all available seats or berths are currently booked.
Your ticket status will be displayed as GNWL followed by a number, such as GNWL1, GNWL2, etc. This number represents your position in the waitlist queue.

2. Confirmation Process:

As passengers with confirmed tickets cancel their bookings, waitlisted tickets move up in the queue.
For example, if you have GNWL5 and five passengers cancel their bookings, your status will move up to GNWL0 (which means your ticket is confirmed).

3. Chart Preparation:

The final reservation chart is typically prepared a few hours before the train’s departure (usually 4 hours before for most trains and 30 minutes before for special trains).
If your GNWL status changes to a confirmed reservation before the chart is prepared, you will be allocated a seat or berth.
If it remains waitlisted, and for e-tickets, the booking will be automatically canceled, and a refund will be initiated.

Advantages of GNWL

Higher Probability of Confirmation: GNWL tickets have a higher chance of getting confirmed compared to other waitlist types like RLWL (Remote Location Waitlist) or PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist).
Primary Waitlist: It is the primary waitlist category and receives priority over other types of waitlists for cancellations and seat allocations.

Example Scenario

Booking:

Suppose you book a ticket and receive GNWL3 status.
Your ticket status: GNWL3.

Cancellations:

As other passengers cancel, the GNWL number decreases.
If 3 passengers cancel, your status moves to GNWL0 (confirmed).

Chart Preparation:

If further cancellations occur, your ticket gets confirmed.
If not, your ticket remains waitlisted at the time of chart preparation.

Important Points

Automatic Cancellation: Waitlisted e-tickets are automatically canceled if not confirmed, and a refund is processed.
Booking Limits: You can board the train with a waitlisted counter ticket, but without a confirmed seat, you may face issues during the journey.
Upgradation: In some cases, waitlisted passengers might be upgraded to higher classes if there are available berths.

Summary Table of Waitlist Types

Waitlist Type	Description	Confirmation Probability	Dependent on Cancellations from
GNWL	General Waitlist	High	Originating station
RLWL	Remote Location Waitlist	Medium	Intermediate stations
PQWL	Pooled Quota Waitlist	Medium	Intermediate to intermediate stations
TQWL	Tatkal Quota Waitlist	Medium	Originating station (Tatkal quota)

Conclusion

GNWL or General Waitlist is the most common and prioritized waitlist type in Indian train booking. Understanding GNWL and its higher probability of confirmation can help passengers better manage their travel plans and expectations regarding ticket confirmation.