If you frequently travel by train🚆 in India, you’ve probably come across different types of waitlist tickets while booking through the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website or mobile app. One of these is TQWL, which stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List. But what does it mean, and how does it impact your travel plans? Let’s dive into the details.
What is TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List)?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List, which means that your ticket has been booked under the Tatkal quota, but you are on the waiting list. Tatkal tickets are special tickets booked for urgent travel, and they get confirmed based on seat availability.
Unlike General Waiting List (GNWL), which has a higher chance of confirmation, TQWL tickets have lower priority. This means that if your ticket remains in the waiting list even after the final chart preparation, it will not get confirmed, and you will receive a refund.
How Does TQWL Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how TQWL functions:
- Booking Phase:
- Tatkal tickets open one day before the journey at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for Sleeper class.
- If all Tatkal tickets are booked, new bookings go into TQWL.
- Confirmation Chances:
- TQWL tickets are confirmed only if a confirmed Tatkal ticket is canceled.
- TQWL has lower priority compared to other waiting lists like GNWL.
- Final Status:
- If your TQWL ticket remains in waiting status after chart preparation, it is automatically canceled, and the refund is credited back to your account.
Difference Between TQWL and Other Waiting Lists
| Type of Waiting List | Priority for Confirmation | Refund on Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| GNWL (General Waiting List) | Highest Priority | No refund if not canceled manually |
| RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) | Medium Priority | No refund if not confirmed |
| PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List) | Low Priority | No refund if not confirmed |
| TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List) | Lowest Priority | Automatic refund if not confirmed |
How to Check Your TQWL Status?
To check your TQWL status, follow these steps:
- Visit the IRCTC website or open the IRCTC mobile app.
- Click on “PNR Status” and enter your PNR number (printed on your ticket).
- The system will display your current booking status.
Can a TQWL Ticket Get Confirmed?
Yes, a TQWL ticket can get confirmed, but it depends entirely on cancellations. Since Tatkal tickets are booked for urgent travel, passengers rarely cancel them. This makes TQWL confirmation chances very low.
What Happens if Your TQWL Ticket is Not Confirmed?
If your TQWL ticket remains in the waiting list after chart preparation:
- The ticket is automatically canceled.
- The full fare is refunded to your IRCTC account or bank account.
- You cannot board the train with a TQWL ticket.
Tips to Avoid TQWL & Get a Confirmed Ticket
- Book as early as possible – For normal tickets, book when bookings open (120 days before travel).
- Use Tatkal wisely – Be ready at 10 AM (for AC) or 11 AM (for Sleeper) sharp when Tatkal booking opens.
- Check for GNWL instead of TQWL – General Waiting List has a higher chance of confirmation.
- Try alternative trains or routes – Sometimes, choosing a different station or train increases your chances.
- Opt for premium Tatkal – This is a costlier but safer option for urgent travel.
Final Thoughts
Understanding TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List) is crucial if you frequently book last-minute train tickets in India. Since TQWL tickets have the lowest priority for confirmation, it’s always good to check availability and explore alternative options to avoid last-minute travel issues.
If you have any questions or experiences with TQWL ticket booking, share them in the comments below! 🚆