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Difference Between WL and RLWL

  • Post last modified:March 23, 2023
  • Reading time:12 mins read
  • Post category:Technology
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Contents hide
  1. 1. Explanation of what are WL and RLWL
  2. 2. Importance of understanding the difference between WL and RLWL
  3. 3. WL (Waiting List)
  4. 4. RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List)
  5. 5. Difference between WL and RLWL
    1. 5.1. How to check WL and RLWL status
    2. 5.2. Tips for managing WL and RLWL tickets
    3. 5.3. Reference Books
    4. 5.4. References Website

Explanation of what are WL and RLWL

WL stands for Waiting List, which is a system used by Indian Railways to allow passengers to book train tickets even when there are no seats available. When a train’s seat quota is full, passengers can book a waiting list ticket and wait for a confirmed ticket to become available if other passengers cancel their booking.

RLWL stands for Remote Location Waiting List, which is similar to the Waiting List system. However, it is a specific type of waiting list where the origin station of the train and the remote location station have different quotas for the same class of travel. For example, if a passenger is traveling from Station A to Station C but the RLWL quota for that class of travel is full from Station B to Station C, they will be placed on the RLWL.

Both WL and RLWL are systems that allow passengers to book train tickets when no seats are available. The main difference is that RLWL is a specific type of waiting list where the origin station of the train and the remote location station have different quotas for the same class of travel.

Importance of understanding the difference between WL and RLWL

Understanding the difference between WL and RLWL is important for passengers who are booking train tickets in India. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Booking Strategy: Passengers can use the knowledge of WL and RLWL to develop a better booking strategy. They can determine the best time to book a ticket, which stations to select for their journey and the class of travel that suits their needs.
  2. Travel Planning: Understanding the difference between WL and RLWL can help passengers plan their travel itinerary better. They can choose alternative trains or routes if they find their ticket is on the RLWL, which can help them avoid the uncertainty of waiting for a confirmed ticket.
  3. Cost Management: Knowing the difference between WL and RLWL can help passengers manage their travel costs. Passengers on the WL or RLWL may have to pay an additional fee to be transferred to a higher class of travel or purchase a confirmed ticket. By understanding the waiting list system, passengers can make informed decisions about their travel expenses.
  4. Travel Experience: Finally, understanding the difference between WL and RLWL can enhance the overall travel experience. Passengers can avoid the stress of not knowing their travel status, plan their journey better, and ultimately have a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Understanding the difference between WL and RLWL is essential for passengers who want to plan their travel itinerary better, manage their costs and have a more enjoyable travel experience.

WL (Waiting List)

WL or Waiting List is a system used by Indian Railways to enable passengers to book train tickets even when the seats in a particular train and class of travel are fully occupied. When a passenger books a train ticket and all the seats in the desired class are already occupied, the passenger’s booking is placed on a waiting list.

As other passengers cancel their bookings, the vacant seats become available and the passengers on the waiting list move up in the queue to receive a confirmed seat. The movement of passengers from the waiting list to confirmed seats depends on the number of cancellations, the date of travel, and the priority given to each waiting list.

WL tickets have a unique ten-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number that confirms the booking but does not guarantee a seat on the train. Passengers can check the status of their ticket on the Indian Railways website or by calling the Indian Railways enquiry number. Passengers can cancel their waiting list ticket and receive a refund of the fare minus a small cancellation fee.

The Waiting List system allows passengers to book a train ticket when no seats are available and wait for a confirmed ticket. The system provides passengers with an opportunity to travel when no other options are available, although the final travel status may not be confirmed until close to the date of travel.

RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List)

RLWL or Remote Location Waiting List is a specific type of waiting list system used by Indian Railways. This system is similar to the standard Waiting List system, but it is used when the origin station and a remote location station have different quotas for the same class of travel.

For example, if a passenger wants to travel from Station A to Station C, but the quota for that class of travel is already full from Station B to Station C, the passenger’s booking is placed on the RLWL. This means that the passenger has a lower chance of getting a confirmed ticket compared to a regular WL ticket.

The confirmation of RLWL tickets depends on the cancellations from the remote location station. The priority of the RLWL is lower than the general quota, which means that the chances of getting a confirmed ticket are even lower than the regular waiting list. If passengers holding confirmed tickets cancel their booking, then the vacant seats are first allocated to the RLWL passengers, followed by the passengers on the regular waiting list.

Passengers can check the status of their RLWL ticket on the Indian Railways website or by calling the Indian Railways enquiry number. If a passenger’s RLWL ticket does not get confirmed, then the fare is refunded automatically by the system.

RLWL is a waiting list system used when the origin station and remote location station have different quotas for the same class of travel. The confirmation of RLWL tickets depends on the cancellations from the remote location station, and the chances of getting a confirmed ticket are lower than the regular waiting list.

Difference between WL and RLWL

The main difference between WL (Waiting List) and RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) is that RLWL is a specific type of waiting list system that applies to remote location stations where the quota for a particular class of travel is different from the originating station. In contrast, WL is a general waiting list system that applies when all the seats in a particular train and class of travel are fully occupied.

Here are a few more differences between the two systems:

  1. Quota: The quotas for the regular waiting list and the remote location waiting list are different. The regular waiting list quota is based on the origin station of the train, while the remote location waiting list quota is based on the remote location station.
  2. Confirmation: The chances of confirmation for an RLWL ticket are lower than a regular waiting list ticket. The confirmation of RLWL tickets depends on the cancellations from the remote location station, while regular waiting list tickets depend on cancellations from any station on the train’s route.
  3. Priority: The priority for RLWL tickets is lower than the general quota, which means that passengers on the regular waiting list have a higher chance of getting a confirmed ticket.
  4. Refund: If a passenger’s RLWL ticket does not get confirmed, then the fare is refunded automatically by the system. However, if a passenger cancels their regular waiting list ticket, a small cancellation fee is charged.

The main difference between WL and RLWL is that RLWL is a specific type of waiting list system that applies to remote location stations, while WL is a general waiting list system. The confirmation and priority for RLWL tickets are lower than regular waiting list tickets, and the refund policies are different.

How to check WL and RLWL status

To check the status of your WL (Waiting List) or RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) ticket on Indian Railways, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Indian Railways website or download the IRCTC app on your smartphone.
  2. Click on the “PNR Status” option or the “Check Your PNR Status” button.
  3. Enter your 10-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) number in the required field. You can find this number on the top left corner of your ticket.
  4. Click on the “Get Status” button.
  5. The system will display the current status of your ticket, whether it is confirmed, on the waiting list, or in the RLWL.

Alternatively, you can check your WL or RLWL status by calling the Indian Railways enquiry number (139) and following the automated instructions.

It’s important to note that the WL and RLWL status can change frequently depending on cancellations, and it’s a good idea to check the status of your ticket frequently, especially as the date of travel approaches.

Tips for managing WL and RLWL tickets

Managing WL (Waiting List) and RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) tickets can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you:

  1. Check your status frequently: Keep checking the status of your ticket frequently, especially as the date of travel approaches. As cancellations happen, your status may improve, and you may get a confirmed ticket.
  2. Opt for alternate trains: If your ticket is on the waiting list or RLWL, consider opting for alternate trains that have a better chance of getting a confirmed ticket.
  3. Book in advance: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This increases your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
  4. Travel during weekdays: Traveling during weekdays rather than weekends or holidays can increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
  5. Book from the remote location: If you are traveling to a remote location station, consider booking from that station, as the quota for that location may be different from the origin station.
  6. Check for alternative classes: If you are on the waiting list for a higher class of travel, consider booking in a lower class, which may have a better chance of getting a confirmed ticket.
  7. Plan for contingencies: If your ticket doesn’t get confirmed, have a backup plan in place, such as booking a bus ticket or rescheduling your travel plans.

Managing WL and RLWL tickets requires patience and planning. By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket or having a backup plan in place.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between WL (Waiting List) and RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) is crucial for anyone traveling on Indian Railways. While WL applies to general waiting lists, RLWL is specific to remote location stations with different quotas for particular classes of travel.

Managing WL and RLWL tickets can be challenging, but by following the tips mentioned above, you can increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket or having a backup plan in place. It’s important to keep checking your status frequently, book in advance, consider alternate trains and classes, and plan for contingencies. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Reference Books

  1. “Indian Railways: The Weaving of a National Tapestry” by Bibek Debroy and Sanjay Chadha: This book provides an overview of the history and evolution of Indian Railways and its role in shaping the country’s economy and culture.
  2. “Indian Railways: The Final Frontier” by Sandeep Silas: This book covers various aspects of Indian Railways, from its history to modern-day operations and management.
  3. “A Complete Guide to Indian Railways” by Amarnath Krishnaswamy: This book provides comprehensive information on Indian Railways, including ticketing systems, train schedules, and route maps.
  4. “Indian Railways: The Untold Story” by R. P. Saxena: This book delves into the lesser-known aspects of Indian Railways, including its technical and administrative aspects.
  5. “IRCTC Indian Railways Ticketing: A Step-by-Step Guide” by Sachin Bhandary: This book provides a detailed guide on how to book tickets on Indian Railways through the IRCTC website and app.

References Website

  1. Indian Railways official website: https://indianrailways.gov.in/ This is the official website of Indian Railways, where you can find information on train schedules, fares, seat availability, and more.
  2. IRCTC website: https://www.irctc.co.in/ This is the official website of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), where you can book train tickets, check PNR status, and more.
  3. Cleartrip: https://www.cleartrip.com/trains Cleartrip is a travel booking website that allows you to book train tickets, check seat availability, and track PNR status.
  4. MakeMyTrip: https://www.makemytrip.com/railways/ MakeMyTrip is another popular travel booking website that allows you to book train tickets, check PNR status, and more.
  5. Trainman: https://www.trainman.in/ Trainman is a website and app that provides information on train schedules, seat availability, PNR status, and more.