PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist)

Have you ever encountered the acronym PQWL when booking IRCTC tickets? If not, we are here to explain what PQWL means and its impact on passengers waiting for their tickets to get confirmed. If you have encountered this abbreviation, it can sometimes be confused with other types of waitlist status. PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Waiting List status in IRCTC. This particular status is a specific pooling quota covering several small stations. It means that you can travel from one intermediate station to another without covering the entire route. You must understand that PQWL is given less priority than GNWL or TQWL for getting confirmed seats.

The PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist ) status impacts passengers in several ways, affecting their travel plans and overall travel experience. Therefore, understanding the impact of PQWL status in Indian Railways will help passengers strategize when booking train tickets in a much better way. Here are some of the primary effects of PQWL status on passengers.

• Uncertainty in travel plans: Having PQWL status on your train tickets decreases confirmation chances. The probability of getting confirmed is very low compared to the other Waitlist status. Therefore, it increases the chances of uncertainty in travel plans. It impacts your travel, especially when attending important meetings or events.
• Financial impact: Sometimes, opting for other alternate transportation may cost more than they imagined. If you are choosing Tatkal ticket booking due to PQWL status, there are chances that you may have to pay more than what you paid for the last ticket due to high demand.
• Increased stress: The uncertainty and need for constant monitoring of PNR status cause stress and uncertainty associated with their travel plans. The stress of not knowing about other alternatives and whether they will be able to travel can create inconvenience and anxiety.

When you book a ticket from one intermediate station to another, you will be assigned PQWL, where other quotas like GNWL do not apply. These tickets are pooled for several small stations. This quota is generally smaller, which means the PQWL moves slower with fewer chances of confirmation. This means that confirmation is only possible if passengers with the same quota cancel their tickets. However, the chances of tickets getting confirmed are relatively lower due to the limited seats or berths available under this quota.

The stepwise instructions on how to check PQWL status are as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the redRail website or application.
• Step 2: Log in using IRCTC credentials.
• Step 3: Enter your 10-digit PNR number (The number is mentioned on the top left corner of the train ticket)
• Step 4: Click on the “Check Status” button.
• Step 5: The PNR status will be displayed on the screen. (If the status is a waitlist, it will be mentioned as PQWL).

Here are some of the effective strategies that you can follow to prevent getting PQWL status on train tickets.

• Book early: The most effective way to avoid PQWL status on train tickets is to book your seats as early as possible. Bookings for some trains, especially those on popular routes, are open well in advance. By booking tickets as soon as the booking window opens, you significantly increase your chances of securing a confirmed seat and avoid the uncertainty of being waitlisted.
• Flexibility: Being flexible with travel dates and train choices can greatly improve your chances of avoiding PQWL status on train tickets. Opting to travel on weekdays or during non-peak times can significantly increase the likelihood of securing confirmed tickets, as these periods typically experience lower demand.
• Book Tatkal train tickets: The Tatkal ticket scheme is the most convenient way to get confirmed tickets for last-minute bookings. In Tatkal, a limited number of confirmed seats are released 24 hours before the departure time. Be prepared to book Tatkal tickets if you encounter PQWL status on train tickets.

Understanding PQWL (Pooled Quota Waitlist) in IRCTC is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the complex booking system of Indian Railways. While PQWL offers a unique opportunity for you to travel between intermediate stations, it also presents certain challenges, such as lower confirmation probabilities and increased travel uncertainty.