What is TQWL in Train? TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waitlist. It is a type of waitlist for passengers booking train tickets under the Tatkal scheme, which is a special reservation quota for last-minute travel.
Tatkal tickets can be booked one day before the train’s departure, and the waitlist for these tickets is managed separately from the general and pooled quotas.
What is TQWL in Train Ticket Booking?
How TQWL Works in IRCTC
1. Booking Status:
- When you book a Tatkal ticket and all Tatkal quota seats are already booked, your ticket is placed on the Tatkal Quota Waitlist (TQWL).
- Your ticket status will be displayed as TQWL followed by a number, such as TQWL1, TQWL2, etc. This number indicates your position in the Tatkal waitlist queue.
2. Confirmation Process:
- TQWL tickets are confirmed based on cancellations from passengers who have booked under the Tatkal quota.
- Your TQWL status will improve as passengers with confirmed Tatkal 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 TQWL 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.
- You cannot board the train with TQWL Ticket.
Example Scenario
Booking:
- Suppose you book a Tatkal ticket and receive TQWL3 status.
- Your ticket status: TQWL3.
Cancellations:
- As other passengers cancel, the TQWL number decreases.
- If 2 passengers cancel, your status moves to TQWL1.
Chart Preparation:
- If further cancellations occur and your status reaches TQWL0, your ticket gets confirmed.
- If not, your ticket remains waitlisted at the time of chart preparation.
Important Points
- Lower Probability of Confirmation: TQWL tickets generally have a lower chance of getting confirmed compared to GNWL tickets due to the limited number of Tatkal quota seats.
- Dependent on Cancellations: TQWL status improves primarily with cancellations from passengers booked under the Tatkal quota.
- Automatic Cancellation: Waitlisted e-tickets are automatically canceled if not confirmed, and a refund is processed.
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) |
Conclusion
TQWL or Tatkal Quota Waitlist is a waitlist category for passengers booking tickets under the Tatkal scheme for last-minute travel. Understanding TQWL and its functioning can help passengers better manage their travel plans and expectations regarding ticket confirmation.