PNR Status
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a unique 10-digit number that is assigned to a passenger or group of passengers when they book a train ticket through the Indian Railways. The PNR number is stored in the reservation database of the Indian Railways and contains all the relevant information about the passenger and their journey such as their name, age, gender, train details, seat/berth preference, fare, and so on.
The PNR status is the current booking status of the passenger's ticket. It tells you whether your ticket has been confirmed, waiting, or if it is on the waiting list or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). The PNR status can be checked either through the Indian Railways website, by sending an SMS to a designated number, or by using a mobile app. By checking the PNR status, you can get real-time information on the availability of seats and the confirmation status of your ticket.
How to Find PNR Number
The PNR number can be found on the top left corner of the printed railway ticket. If you have an electronic ticket (e-ticket), you can find the PNR number in the email that was sent to you at the time of booking. The PNR number is also mentioned on the receipt generated at the time of booking.
In case you have lost your ticket or the PNR number, you can still retrieve it by using the following methods:
Login to the Indian Railways website using your account and view the booking history. The PNR number will be displayed for all your past bookings.
Contact the Indian Railways customer service center and provide them with the required information such as the passenger's name, age, and journey details. They will then be able to provide you with the PNR number.
If you have booked the ticket through an online travel agency, you can log in to your account and find the PNR number in the booking history.
It's essential to keep your PNR number handy, as it is required for checking the PNR status, making changes to your booking, or canceling the ticket.
How to Check PNR Status
Online: You can check the PNR status on the official website of the Indian Railways (www.irctc.co.in) or on other third-party websites. Simply enter your 10-digit PNR number and click on the “Check PNR status” button to get the latest status of your ticket.
SMS: You can also check your PNR status by sending an SMS to the number 139. Type “PNR [PNR number]” and send it to the number. You will receive an SMS with the latest status of your ticket.
Mobile App: You can download the Indian Railways mobile app on your smartphone and use it to check the PNR status. Simply enter your 10-digit PNR number and click on the “Check PNR” button to get the latest status of your ticket.
It’s important to note that the PNR status is subject to change based on various factors such as the availability of seats, cancellations, and other booking-related activities. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the PNR status a few days before your journey to get the latest information.
PNR Status Codes
PNR status codes are used to indicate the current booking status of a train ticket. The following are the commonly used PNR status codes:
CNF (Confirmed): This means that the ticket has been confirmed and a reserved seat has been allotted to the passenger.
RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): This means that the passenger has been allotted a seat, but it will be shared with another passenger. If a confirmed seat becomes available, one of the RAC ticket holders will be allotted the seat.
WL (Waiting List): This means that the ticket has not been confirmed and the passenger is on the waiting list. The waiting list number indicates the position of the passenger in the queue. If a confirmed seat becomes available, passengers with lower waiting list numbers will be allotted the seat first.
GNWL (General Waiting List): This means that the waiting list is for a particular train and for a specific station.
PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List): This means that the waiting list is for a particular quota (such as the defense quota) and is common for several trains.
RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List): This means that the waiting list is for a particularly remote location and is common for several trains.
CAN/MOD (Cancelled or Modified): This means that the ticket has been canceled or modified.
It's important to regularly check the PNR status to stay updated on the booking status of your ticket and to plan your journey accordingly.
Indian Railways and PNR Status
How tracking the PNR Status of Indian Railways can benefit you?
Indian Railways is the national railway system of India, which the Ministry of Railways operates. It is one of the largest railway networks in the world, with more than 68,000 km of track and over 7,000 stations. Indian Railways serves millions of passengers every day, and it is a crucial part of India's transportation infrastructure.
The Indian Railways operates a variety of trains to cater to different types of passengers, such as express trains, passenger trains, suburban trains, and luxury trains. The system is also equipped with various classes of accommodation such as air-conditioned coaches, sleeper coaches, and general compartments. The railways also operate special trains during festivals and peak seasons to accommodate the surge in demand.
Indian Railways has undergone significant modernization and digitization in recent years, with the introduction of online ticket booking, e-catering, and the development of mobile applications to improve passenger convenience. The railways have also undertaken several infrastructure projects, such as the introduction of high-speed trains, the development of dedicated freight corridors, and the expansion of railway stations.
PNR Status and IRCTC
You already know how to track the IRCTC PNR Status.
IRCTC stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways. IRCTC is responsible for managing the online ticketing and catering services of the Indian Railways. It was established in 1999 to enhance the efficiency and convenience of the railway system.
IRCTC operates an online ticketing portal, which allows passengers to book train tickets, check seat availability, and manage their bookings online. The website offers various payment options, including net banking, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The IRCTC website also offers passengers the option to book meals, beverages, and other services during their train journey.
In addition to ticketing and catering services, IRCTC also offers a variety of tourism-related services such as tour packages, hotel bookings, and car rentals. The corporation operates luxury tourist trains such as the Maharajas’ Express, which offers a unique and luxurious travel experience.
IRCTC has taken several initiatives to improve the passenger experience and convenience. It has introduced mobile applications to make online booking easier and more accessible for passengers. The corporation has also introduced e-catering services, allowing passengers to order food from their preferred restaurants and has it delivered to their train seats.