What is RLWL in Train?

What is RLWL in Train? RLWL stands for Remote Location Waitlist in train ticket booking terminology.

It is a type of waitlist applicable when a passenger books a train ticket from an intermediate station (a station that lies between the originating and destination stations of the train route).

Table of Contents

What is RLWL in Train Ticket Booking?

How RLWL Works in IRCTC

1. Booking Status:

When you book a train ticket from an intermediate station and the available quota is full, your ticket is placed on the Remote Location Waitlist (RLWL).
Your ticket status will be displayed as RLWL followed by a number, such as RLWL1, RLWL2, etc. This number indicates your position in the waitlist queue for that specific remote location.

2. Confirmation Process:

RLWL tickets are less likely to get confirmed compared to General Waitlist (GNWL) tickets because they are dependent on cancellations from passengers boarding from the originating station.
Your RLWL status will move up if there are cancellations from passengers who have booked from the originating station or other remote locations before your boarding point.

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 RLWL status changes to a confirmed reservation before the chart is prepared, you will be allocated a seat or berth.
If it remains waitlisted, you will not be allocated a seat or berth, and for e-tickets, the booking will be automatically canceled, and a refund will be initiated.

Example Scenario

Booking:

Suppose you book a ticket from an intermediate station and receive RLWL3 status.
Your ticket status: RLWL3.

Cancellations:

As other passengers cancel, the RLWL number decreases.
If 2 passengers cancel, your status moves to RLWL1.

Chart Preparation:

If further cancellations occur, and your status reaches RLWL0, your ticket gets confirmed.
If not, your ticket remains RLWL1 at the time of chart preparation.

Important Points

Lower Probability of Confirmation: RLWL tickets have a lower chance of getting confirmed compared to GNWL tickets.
Dependent on Cancellations: RLWL status primarily improves with cancellations from originating stations or other remote locations.
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

RLWL or Remote Location Waitlist is a waitlist category for passengers booking from intermediate stations along the train route. Understanding RLWL and its functioning can help passengers better manage their travel plans and expectations regarding ticket confirmation.