If you’ve ever booked a train ticket on IRCTC or Get ticket from PRS counter and seen terms like RLWL or GNWL, don’t worry you’re not alone. We all are saw these waitlist types. These codes represent different types of waiting lists in Indian Railways. Knowing the difference between RLWL and GNWL can help you plan your trip better and improve your ticket confirmation chances.
What Is RLWL in Railway Tickets?
RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) applies to passengers travelling between intermediate stations – not from the originating station or the terminating station.
- Full Form: Remote Location Waiting List
- Priority: RLWL has lower priority than GNWL.
- Chances of Confirmation: Moderate to low, depending on cancellations on that stretch.
Each train has a fixed number of RLWL seats allocated between specific station pairs, which is why confirmation chances can be unpredictable.
What Is GNWL in Railway Tickets?
GNWL (General Waiting List) is the most common waiting list type. It applies to passengers travelling from the originating station of a train or from a nearby major station to its destination.
- Full Form: General Waiting List
- Priority: GNWL has the highest priority for confirmation compared to other waiting lists.
- Chances of Confirmation: High, especially if booked early.
When a confirmed ticket holder cancels, GNWL passengers are the first to get upgraded to confirmed berths.
RLWL vs GNWL: Key Differences
Below is the table that showcase key difference between RLWL and GNWL waitlist.
| Feature | GNWL (General Waiting List) | RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | General Waiting List | Remote Location Waiting List |
| Where It Applies | Originating station or nearby major stations to destination | Intermediate stations between origin and destination |
| Priority for Confirmation | Highest | Lower than GNWL |
| Ticket Confirmation Chances | High | Moderate to Low(Depends on the Route, Train type) |
| Quota Allocation | Large number of seats | Limited seats for specific routes |
Which Waitlist has Priority for Confirmation?
Indian Railways always prioritizes GNWL over RLWL when confirming tickets. This means if there are cancellations, GNWL passengers will be allotted the freed seats first. RLWL passengers have fewer chances unless many cancellations occur.
Example:
If you book from Delhi to Mumbai (origin to destination), you’ll get GNWL. If you book from Kota to Mumbai (midway to destination), you’ll likely get RLWL.
Some General Tips to Improve Your Ticket Confirmation Chances
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the higher your position on the waiting list.
- Check Train Starting Stations: Try booking from the originating station for GNWL.
- Consider Alternate Trains: Look at other trains on the same route to find GNWL availability.
- Be Flexible with Boarding Stations: A small change in boarding station can shift you from RLWL to GNWL.
- Use Premium Tatkal or Other Quotas: If urgent, check Tatkal or Premium Tatkal for faster confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions About GNWL vs RLWL
1. Can RLWL tickets be confirmed?
Yes, RLWL tickets can be confirmed if passengers with confirmed tickets on that segment cancel, but chances are lower than GNWL.
2. What happens if RLWL ticket is not confirmed?
If your RLWL ticket stays on the waiting list after chart preparation, you are not allowed to travel and your fare is automatically refunded (for e-tickets). If you booked your ticket from PRS counter you need to collect your refund from the counter other wise you will not get any refund.
3. Can RLWL change to GNWL automatically?
No. RLWL and GNWL are separate quotas. However, you can manually change your boarding station while booking to try for GNWL.
4. Is RLWL valid for travel like RAC?
No. Only RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets allow boarding without a full berth. RLWL must be confirmed or upgraded to RAC to be valid for travel. Please check your PNR status regularly to be updated.
5. What’s the best way to avoid RLWL?
Always book from the train’s originating station or major halts whenever possible. Check GNWL availability before booking.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between RLWL vs GNWL can save you time, money, and frustration. In short, GNWL tickets have the highest confirmation priority, while RLWL tickets depend on limited intermediate station quotas.
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