What is PQWL in Train? PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Waitlist. It is a type of waitlist for passengers booking tickets for intermediate stations on a train route. Unlike GNWL (General Waitlist) or RLWL (Remote Location Waitlist), PQWL is specifically for journeys that do not cover the entire train route but fall within a pooled quota of tickets reserved for various combinations of intermediate stations.
What is PQWL in Train Ticket Booking?
How PQWL Works in IRCTC
1. Booking Status:
- When you book a train ticket and it shows PQWL, it means the ticket falls under the Pooled Quota and is currently waitlisted.
- Your ticket status will be displayed as PQWL followed by a number, such as PQWL1, PQWL2, etc. This number indicates your position in the waitlist queue for the pooled quota.
2. Confirmation Process:
- PQWL tickets are confirmed based on cancellations from passengers booked under the same pooled quota.
- Your PQWL status will improve as passengers with confirmed PQWL tickets cancel their bookings.
3. Chart Preparation:
- The final reservation chart is usually prepared a few hours before the train’s departure (typically 4 hours before for most trains and 30 minutes before for special trains).
- If your PQWL 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.
Example Scenario
Booking:
- Suppose you book a ticket for a journey within the train route and receive PQWL3 status.
- Your ticket status: PQWL3.
Cancellations:
- As other passengers cancel, the PQWL number decreases.
- If 2 passengers cancel, your status moves to PQWL1.
Chart Preparation:
- If further cancellations occur and your status reaches PQWL0, your ticket gets confirmed.
- If not, your ticket remains waitlisted at the time of chart preparation.
Important Points
- Lower Probability of Confirmation: PQWL tickets have a lower chance of getting confirmed compared to GNWL tickets but higher than RLWL tickets.
- Dependent on Cancellations: PQWL status improves primarily with cancellations from passengers booked under the same pooled quota.
- Automatic Cancellation: Waitlisted e-tickets are automatically canceled if not confirmed, and a refund is processed.
- Boarding Issues: With a waitlisted counter ticket, you can board the train, but you might face issues without a confirmed seat or berth.
Summary Table of Waitlist Types
| Waitlist Type | Description | Confirmation Probability | Dependent on Cancellations from |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNWL | General Waitlist | High | Originating station |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waitlist | Low | Intermediate stations |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waitlist | Medium | Intermediate to intermediate stations |
| TQWL | Tatkal Quota Waitlist | Medium | Originating station (Tatkal quota) |
Conclusion
PQWL or Pooled Quota Waitlist is a waitlist category for passengers booking tickets for journeys between intermediate stations within the train route. Understanding PQWL and its functioning can help passengers manage their travel plans and expectations regarding ticket confirmation.
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