TQWL Means in railway, you booked a waiting list ticket under Tatkal Quota. When booking train tickets, especially under Tatkal quota, many passengers often come across the term TQWL. If you’ve seen TQWL status on your ticket and are unsure what it means or if your ticket will be confirmed, this guide will answer all your questions.
What is TQWL Meaning in Railway?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List/Tatkal Waiting List. This status comes when you booked a ticket in Tatkal quota whether it is waiting ticket or confirmed tatkal ticket.
Unlike GNWL (General Waiting List) or RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List), TQWL is only applicable for Tatkal bookings.
TQWL in IRCTC: Key Points and Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Tatkal Quota Waiting List |
| Applicable Quota | Tatkal Quota only |
| Confirmation Chances if Waiting | Lower |
| Booking Window | Opens 1 day before journey at 10 AM (AC) & 11 AM (Sleeper) |
| Refund Policy | If ticket will get confirmed and then you cancelled there will be no refund. (Other wise you will get refund based on railway rules) |
| Auto Cancellation | If not confirmed, it is auto-cancelled before charting and you will get refund. |
| Chart Preparation | Final status updates before chart preparation (4–8 hours before train) |
What is the TQWL Confirmation Chances?
TQWL confirmation chances depend on:
- The popularity of the train/route
- Number of Tatkal cancellations
- Time of booking (early booking has better chance)
- Class of travel (Sleeper class has slightly higher confirmation chances than AC classes)
Typically:
- TQWL 1–2 has a moderate chance of confirmation.
- TQWL 3+ has low chances, especially in high-demand trains.
You can check confirmation predictions on the IRCTC app.
Also Read: PQWL Means In Railways
Difference Between TQWL and GNWL
| Feature | TQWL (Tatkal Waiting List) | GNWL (General Waiting List) |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Type | Tatkal Quota | General Quota |
| Refund | Usually non refundable | Refundable if not confirmed |
| Confirmation | Low chances | Higher chances (esp. low WL) |
| Charting | Final confirmation during charting | Same |
TQWL(Tatkal Waiting List) Refund Rules
- If you book a Tatkal ticket and it remains TQWL at the time of chart preparation, it gets automatically canceled.
- No refund is provided after confirm your tatkal ticket. If your ticket remains in waiting, you will get refund as per Indian Railways Rules
FAQs About TQWL
1. What is TQWL means in Train Ticket?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List a waiting status when Tatkal tickets are fully booked.
2. Can TQWL ticket be confirmed?
Yes, but chances are lower than General Waiting List tickets. TQWL 1 or 2 may get confirmed based on cancellations.
3. Can I travel with a TQWL e-ticket?
No, if it’s not confirmed, the ticket will be automatically cancelled, and travel is not permitted.
4. Is refund available for TQWL tickets?
No refund is provided for unconfirmed Tatkal e-tickets after charting.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your train ticket status is important before your journey. TQWL tickets have limited chances of confirmation and should only be booked if necessary.
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