The Remote Location Waitlist or RSWL becomes important to understand if you want to book travel tickets using the Indian Railway System. As a passenger, if you understand how RSWL works, it will be very easy for you to book train tickets from intermediate stations. The following sections of this article discuss how RSWL impacts your overall train travel experience, including PNR status, ticket confirmations, etc.
The Remote Location Waitlist is for passengers boarding trains from intermediate stations. If you have booked a train from a station which is not the starting point of that train, you need to know the following pointers about the RSWL
The priority for ticket confirmation is lower here than the General Waiting List.
The passengers on the RSWL do not directly get to know whether they have a confirmed ticket or not. They have to wait for the IRCTC chart preparation.
Three common factors influence the PNR status of the tickets booked under RSWL.
Number of passengers who cancel their tickets
The time before the departure time is included in the IRCTC chart preparation.
Once a passenger cancels a ticket, the ticket is given to the person who has booked a ticket under the GNWL, and this goes on until all the tickets under GNWL are distributed. Thus, the priority given to RSWL is lower than that of GNWL
The following steps can be used to check your PNR status under the RSWL:
Use your login credentials to reach the homepage of the IRCTC app or portal.
Check your PNR number and enter it in the tab.
The next page displays the real-time updates of the ticket’s confirmation status.
The passengers must primarily take care of two things to check whether any tickets are available under the RSWL.
Take care of the real-time updates. The more active you are on the IRCTC portal or the app, there are higher the chances of you being able to book a ticket based on the people who cancel theirs.
You can also check the current reservation option on the IRCTC portal or app. This option can help locate any available seats closer to the departure time.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the train offers to avail discounts whole booking your tickets. Also, this section offers many other discount options, like cashback.
Whether or not your ticket will be confirmed depends wholly on the IRCTC chart preparation. These charts are typically prepared 4 hours before the train’s departure time. Those who wish to cancel their tickets can check out the cancellation charges and policies and take further steps. The RSWL tickets are either cancelled, kept on the waitlist, or confirmed after the chart preparation. You need to be aware of the chart preparation time for better planning.
You need to take care of the following tips while booking a ticket under the RSWL:
Find other options: Search for other trains or available reservations to take.
Check the train running status: Keep updating the schedule for plan boarding.
Update yourself with an IRCTC login to track your booking history and cancel if required.
RSWL in IRCTC is a distinct waitlist category for booking passengers from intermediate stations. While it is always lower on the priority scale than GNWL, planning, PNR status, and constant updates about train seat availability can enhance your experience.
RSWL is different from other waitlists in terms of priority and applicability:
GNWL (General Waitlist)
It can be used by passengers boarding the train's origin station.
The highest priority is to get ticket confirmation.
RSWL (Remote Location Waitlist)
For passengers boarding from intermediate stations
Lower priority than GNWL
Current Reservation
Used for passengers to book available seats near the train's departure time.
Seat confirmed immediately if the seats are available.
It is distinct, as it is only for passengers travelling from remote locations and processed after GNWL tickets are cleared during IRCTC chart preparation.
Chart preparation plays a crucial role in RSWL ticket confirmation. It is typically prepared 4 hours before the train’s departure time. Chart preparation lets passengers know whether their tickets are confirmed under RSWL. The confirmation comes only when tickets are available after clearing GNWL. You must be aware of the chart preparation timings to track it properly.
There are three available options if the RSWL ticket remains unconfirmed. You can opt for any of these as alternate options:
Apply for cancellation through the IRCTC app. Don’t forget to check the cancellation charges for the same. Ensure you are cancelling the ticket well in time to get a refund with a nominal cancellation charge deducted from it. Use the current reservation system if very little time is left for the train’s departure. There may be a high chance that you get a ticket. Check for other alternate train options. Use the train offers available here to avail of last-minute discounts.
Understanding RSWL is important for booking train tickets because it helps passengers plan better, make informed decisions, save time and manage their costs in advance. The overall RSWL process makes the travel process of passengers more efficient and helps avoid last-minute inconveniences.