What is RQWL in Train? RQWL stands for Roadside Quota Waitlist. It is a type of waitlist for passengers booking train tickets from one intermediate station to another intermediate station where the train does not originate or terminate.
This type of waitlist is different from GNWL (General Waitlist), RLWL (Remote Location Waitlist), and PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist).
What is RQWL in Train Ticket Booking?
How RQWL Works in IRCTC
1. Booking Status:
- When you book a ticket for a journey between two intermediate stations and all available seats for that segment are booked, your ticket is placed on the Roadside Quota Waitlist (RQWL).
- Your ticket status will be displayed as RQWL followed by a number, such as RQWL1, RQWL2, etc. This number indicates your position in the waitlist queue for that specific segment.
2. Confirmation Process:
- RQWL tickets have the lowest probability of getting confirmed because they depend on cancellations from passengers who have booked the same segment.
- Your RQWL status will move up if there are cancellations from passengers who booked tickets for the same intermediate stations.
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 RQWL 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 from Station B to Station D and receive RQWL3 status.
- Your ticket status: RQWL3.
Cancellations:
- As other passengers cancel, the RQWL number decreases.
- If 2 passengers cancel, your status moves to RQWL1.
Chart Preparation:
- If further cancellations occur and your status reaches RQWL0, your ticket gets confirmed.
- If not, your ticket remains waitlisted at the time of chart preparation.
Important Points
- Lowest Probability of Confirmation: RQWL tickets have the lowest chance of getting confirmed compared to GNWL, RLWL, and PQWL tickets.
- Dependent on Specific Cancellations: RQWL status improves primarily with cancellations from passengers booked for the same intermediate stations.
- 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 | Medium | Intermediate stations |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waitlist | Medium | Intermediate to intermediate stations |
| TQWL | Tatkal Quota Waitlist | Low | Originating station (Tatkal quota) |
| RQWL | Roadside Quota Waitlist | Very Low | Same intermediate stations |
Conclusion
RQWL or Roadside Quota Waitlist is a waitlist category for passengers booking tickets between two intermediate stations. Understanding RQWL and its lower probability of confirmation can help passengers better manage their travel plans and expectations regarding ticket confirmation.
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