RLWL and GNWL Explained: What Each Waiting List Status Means for Your Train Booking
Booking a train ticket in India often comes with the experience of encountering various types of waiting lists. Two of the most common ones are RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) and GNWL (General Waiting List). In this blog post, we'll explain what these waiting lists mean and how they impact your travel plans.
Booking a train ticket in India often comes with the experience of encountering various types of waiting lists. Two of the most common ones are RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) and GNWL (General Waiting List). In this blog post, we'll explain what these waiting lists mean and how they impact your travel plans.
What are RLWL and GNWL Waiting Lists?
Indian Railways operates thousands of trains daily, carrying millions of passengers across the country. While booking tickets, especially for shorter journeys, travelers often prefer trains over flights due to convenience and cost. However, securing a confirmed reservation can sometimes be challenging, leading to tickets being placed on a waiting list.
General Waiting List (GNWL)
GNWL stands for General Waiting List. This type of waiting list is applied when a passenger books a ticket from the train's origin station or a station close to it. If the confirmed seats are already booked, the ticket goes into the GNWL. Passengers on the GNWL have a higher chance of their tickets being confirmed as this list is given priority over other types of waiting lists.
Remote Location Waiting List (RLWL)
RLWL stands for Remote Location Waiting List. This list is for passengers boarding from intermediate stations along the train's route. The quota for these stations is smaller compared to the starting point, which means tickets can quickly go into the RLWL if the demand is high. Interestingly, RLWL tickets have a good chance of getting confirmed because they are specific to remote locations and smaller stations along the route.
Importance of RLWL and GNWL
Knowing the type of waiting list your ticket falls under can help you gauge the likelihood of it being confirmed. Typically, GNWL tickets have a better confirmation rate as they originate from the train's starting station, where the bulk of the quota is allocated. On the other hand, RLWL tickets, while specific to smaller stations, can also get confirmed due to their particular allocation.
How to Increase Your Chances of Ticket Confirmation
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the higher your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
- Choose GNWL: If possible, try booking from the train's origin station or a nearby major station to fall under the GNWL category.
- Monitor Status: Regularly check the status of your waiting list tickets. Sometimes, cancellations by other passengers can move your ticket up the list.