In India, you would often get confused if it says on the ticket that is to board a train in “Waiting List” or WL. Because millions use Indian Railways every day, this rule regarding waiting list tickets becomes important. Now let’s explain it for you whether you Can I Travel with a Waiting List Ticket.
What Is a Waiting List Ticket?
When all confirmed seats for a particular train have been booked, the ticket is issued with a waiting list ticket. Instead of a seat or berth, your ticket will show the WL status with a number (e.g., WL 10). This number reflects your position in the queue for confirmation. Your ticket will be confirmed only if there are enough passengers cancel their bookings before the chart is finalised.
Can You Travel with a Waiting List Ticket?
The answer will depend on how you book your ticket:
1. Tickets Booked Online (IRCTC Website or App)
- You are not allowed in the train.
- If the ticket was not confirmed after making the last chart in case of 4 hours prior to departure, automatically it was canceled.
- You get your money back for the ticket.
- Note: On an online waiting list, one cannot travel on tickets; TTEs will never allow to board the train.
2. Tickets Booked at a Railway Station (Counter Tickets)
- Yes, you can use the train; though, there are some rules:
- You may board the train provided you have a waiting-list counter ticket, though you cannot be allocated a reserved seat and berth.
- You may have a chance to stand in common carriages or find an unreserved place as appropriate.
- The final call lies in the hands of the TTE who could give you a seat in case some cancellations occurred post-commencement of journey.
What Happens If Your Ticket Isn’t Confirmed?
- Refund Policy to Online Tickets sales:
As mentioned above, online waiting list tickets automatically cancel and refunds go directly into your payment account. - Refund Policy to Counter Tickets:
You will need to visit the railway station to get a refund. Time limit typically within 3 hours of the train having departed the station.
Tricks to Get Waiting List Tickets Confirmed
- Book in advance: Indian trains are in huge demand. So, tickets must be booked in advance when the bookings are first open, usually 120 days in advance.
- Check other trains : Check other trains running in this route, especially those carrying more confirmed tickets.
- Tatkal: If a ticket is not available under the general category, it opens a day before and can get you a seat if you have a Tatkal quota.
- Consider Premium Trains: The chances for confirmed availability are higher with trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Vande Bharat.
Conclusion
Complete Traveling with waiting list ticket in India depends completely on how you booked it. If you booked online, you cannot board the train; however, counter tickets will be more flexible. Do not travel at the last minute as this causes hassles. Try confirmed reservations or other options, such as Tatkal.
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FAQs on Traveling with a Waiting List Ticket in India
1. Can I travel with a waiting list e-ticket?
- No, you can travel on a waiting list e-ticket.
- If your IRCTC e-ticket remains in the waiting list after making the final chart, then the ticket is canceled automatically.
- You can’t board the train with an unconfirmed e-ticket, then money for the ticket appears in your account.
2. Can I travel with a waiting list Tatkal ticket?
- No, you can’t travel with the waiting list Tatkal e-ticket
- Like regular e-tickets, Tatkal waiting list e-tickets are automatically cancelled if the tickets are not confirmed when the chart is prepared.
- If the ticket is booked at a train station and happens to be in the waiting list, one is allowed to board the train provided space exists and permission from the TTE is given.
3. Can I travel with a waiting list ticket in Duronto Express?
- No, waitlist e-tickets cannot be used travelling in Duronto Express.
- Even this rule is the same with other trains. For any other train, unconfirmed e-ticket leads to cancellation and no access onboard the train.
- If you got a waiting ticket at the counter, you may perhaps get to travel seatless but that would depend on the wish of the TTE himself.
4. Will I get a refund for a Tatkal waiting list ticket if not confirmed?
- Yes, you will receive refund money for the unconfirmed Tatkal tickets.
- In case the ticket is not confirmed after the chart is prepared, an automatic refund will occur with e-tickets.
- To get refund tickets, you have to go to the reservation office and request a refund also within a given time frame-mostly 3 hours after you have departed train.
5. How to get a confirmed ticket from a waiting list?
- To get an increased possibility of confirmed tickets, you may follow this tips
- Book in Advance: Book tickets the very moment that reservations open, 120 days before travel.
- Check the Status: Check the PNR status on the IRCTC website or app.
- Check other trains: Look for the less crowded train on the same track.
- Use Tatkal Quota: Book under Tatkal, if ordinary tickets are not available. 10 AM is for AC class and 11 AM is for sleeper.
- Upgrade Option: Some trains allow upgrading to higher classes if seats are available.
6. How to cancel a Tatkal waiting list ticket?
- For E-Tickets:
- This provides for the ease of logging into the IRCTC website or application, proceeding to “Booked Tickets,” canceling, and then the refund happens automatically into your source.
- For Counter Tickets:
- Present the ticket and ID proof to the railway reservation counter for claiming a cancellation. Refund is according to the railway’s rules.