If you’ve ever tried booking train tickets on IRCTC, you’ve likely come across terms like PQWL/Available or WL/Available.
These terms can be confusing for passengers, especially when they appear after you’ve checked the availability of seats and found yourself on a waiting list.
What Does PQWL/Available Mean?
PQWL stands for Pooled Quota Waiting List. This refers to the waiting list generated under a specific quota, typically assigned to certain routes or classes of passengers.
When you see Available next to PQWL, it means that seats under this specific quota are now available for booking, either due to cancellations or the addition of extra coaches.
Here’s the process in simple terms:
- Cancellation: If passengers cancel their tickets, seats become available for others.
- Additional Coaches: In some cases, extra coaches may be added to the train to accommodate more passengers.
The PQWL/Available status indicates that a seat, which was previously unavailable due to a waiting list, has now opened up for booking. This provides you with an opportunity to secure a confirmed seat, even if you were on the waiting list earlier.
Example of PQWL/Available
Let’s say you want to book a ticket for mumbai from delhi, traveling in Chair Car. When you check the availability at 11:00 AM, you find that the status is WL 12, meaning there are currently 12 passengers ahead of you on the waitlist.
However, when you check the same train at 7:00 PM, you notice that the status has changed to PQWL/Available. This indicates that seats have now become available—either because some passengers canceled their bookings, or extra coaches were added to the train to accommodate more passengers.
Excited, you quickly book the ticket, and your seat is confirmed. The seat number will only be visible after the train’s chart preparation, but now you have a confirmed reservation for your journey.
What Is WL/Available?
WL/Available follows the same principle but pertains to general waiting list categories, not specifically the Pooled Quota.
The WL status simply means that there are passengers on a general waiting list for a specific train, but now, due to cancellations or added coaches, there are available seats for booking.
Whether you see PQWL/Available or WL/Available, both statuses indicate that the waiting list has reduced or seats have become available, giving you the chance to book your ticket.
How to Benefit from PQWL/Available or WL/Available Status?
- Frequent Monitoring: Seat availability on IRCTC changes throughout the day. If you see a waiting list initially, keep checking periodically to see if any seats become available due to cancellations or increased capacity.
- Book Quickly: As soon as you spot PQWL/Available or WL/Available, book your ticket without delay. If you wait too long, another passenger might secure the available seat before you.
- Check After Chart Preparation: Even if the status shows PQWL/Available or WL/Available, remember that your seat will be officially confirmed after the chart preparation, which happens a few hours before the train departs. You’ll get your seat number at that time.
Conclusion
Understanding PQWL/Available and WL/Available can make a huge difference when booking train tickets on IRCTC.
These statuses mean that more seats have become available, either due to cancellations or added coaches, which increases your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
So, the next time you’re booking a ticket and you see PQWL/Available or WL/Available, don’t hesitate! It’s your opportunity to secure a seat.
Be sure to monitor the availability and book as soon as you spot the status change to maximize your chances of success.
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