When booking train tickets, especially under Tatkal quota, many passengers often come across the word TQWL. If you have seen TQWL status on your ticket and you are unsure what it means or whether your ticket will be confirmed, this blog will answer all your questions.
What is TQWL Meaning in Railway?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List/Tatkal Waiting List. This means when you booked a ticket in Tatkal quota and your ticket comes in waiting. In this case you see, TQWL1, TQWL2…..
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Passenger Details
| # | Booking Status | Current Status | Coach | Berth | Type |
|---|
When a user can book Tatkal Ticket?
Passengers can book Tatkal tickets one day before their journey. Indian Railways has set specific timings for Tatkal ticket booking: 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for Sleeper class. This means that if you want to book a Tatkal ticket in AC class, you need to book it at 10:00 AM, and if you want to travel in Sleeper class, you need to book it at 11:00 AM.
If user book tatkal ticket and ticket remains waiting, they will get TQWL(Tatkal Quota Waiting List)
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
| Features | 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.(Only with Eticket) |
| Chart Preparation | Final status updates before chart preparation (4–8 hours before train) |
What is the TQWL Confirmation Chances?
Its the major questions for all Tatkal waiting ticket holders. TQWL confirmation chances depend on various factors:
- The popularity of the train and the route
- Number of Tatkal ticket cancellations
- Time of booking (early booking has better chance)
- Class of travel (Sleeper class has slightly higher confirmation chances than AC classes)
Also Read: PQWL Means In Railways
TQWL Refund Rules
- If you book a Tatkal ticket Online and You get a TQWL(waiting list) & it remains TQWL at the time of chart preparation, it gets automatically canceled. You will get refund after tax deduction as per railway rules.
Tatkal Ticket Refund Rules With Table
| Tatkal Ticket Status | Refund Rule |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Tatkal Ticket | No refund after cancellation |
| Waitlisted Tatkal Ticket | Refund as per WL rules |
| Train cancelled / diverted / disrupted | Full refund |
Important Points to Remember
- Refund is allowed only within the prescribed time limits
- Cancellation charges are per passenger
- For online tickets, refund is processed directly to the original payment method
- In many special cases, a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is required
FAQs About TQWL(Tatkal Quota Waiting List)
1. What is full form of TQWL?
Full form of TQWL is Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
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 ticket is in waiting after chart preparation. The ticket will be automatically cancelled, and travel is not permitted.
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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