Live PNR Status Check

The Ultimate Guide to Checking Your PNR Status Online

For the millions who travel by Indian Railways every day, the 10-digit PNR number is the most important piece of information after booking a ticket. It is the key to knowing the real-time status of your booking—whether your ticket is confirmed, on a waitlist, or has moved to RAC. This guide will explain everything you need to know about PNR status checks, what the different statuses mean, and how to use our secure tool to perform an Indian Railway PNR enquiry on the official website.

What is a PNR Number?

PNR stands for "Passenger Name Record." It's a unique 10-digit number generated by the Indian Railways' central reservation system every time a train ticket is booked. This number acts as a unique ID for your journey and contains all essential details, including passenger names, train details, and the all-important booking status. Whether you book a ticket at a counter or online via IRCTC, you will receive a PNR number.

Why is Checking Your PNR Status So Important?

Checking your live PNR status is crucial, especially if your ticket is not confirmed at the time of booking. Here’s why it's a vital habit for every train traveler:

• Confirmation Probability: It helps you track the movement of your waitlisted ticket (WL) and gauge the chances of it getting confirmed.
• Seat and Coach Allocation: A confirmed ticket (CNF) will eventually have a coach and berth number assigned. You can find this information by checking your PNR status, usually a few hours before the train's departure when the chart is prepared.
• Journey Planning: Knowing your status helps you plan your journey. If your ticket remains on the waitlist after the chart is prepared, it gets automatically canceled, and you cannot board the train. Checking the status helps you make alternative travel arrangements in time.
• Peace of Mind: A quick online PNR status check gives you peace of mind and removes any uncertainty about your travel plans.

How to Use Our Secure PNR Status Checking Tool

Your privacy and data security are our utmost priority. That's why our tool doesn't check the status on our website. Instead, it acts as a secure and convenient gateway to the official source.

1. Enter Your PNR Number: Type your 10-digit PNR number, found on your ticket, into the input box provided.
2. Click the Button: Press the "Check Status on Official Website" button.
3. View on Official Portal: A new browser tab will open, taking you directly to the Indian Railways PNR enquiry page. Your PNR number may be pre-filled, or you might need to enter it again along with a simple captcha.
4. Get Real-Time Status: You will see the most current and accurate status of your ticket directly from the official source.

This method ensures that your sensitive PNR information is only shared with the official Indian Railways portal, keeping your data safe.

Understanding Different PNR Statuses (CNF, RAC, WL, etc.)

When you perform a PNR status enquiry, you'll encounter various acronyms. Here’s what they mean:

• CNF (Confirmed): Congratulations! Your seat is confirmed. The coach and berth numbers will be mentioned on your ticket or will be available after the chart is prepared.
• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): You are guaranteed a seat to travel, but you may have to share a side-lower berth with another RAC passenger initially. If a confirmed passenger cancels, you will be allotted a full berth.
• WL (Waiting List): You do not have a confirmed seat or berth. You can only board the train if your ticket moves to RAC or CNF before the final chart preparation. If it remains WL, it gets automatically canceled, and a refund is processed.
• GNWL (General Waiting List): The most common type of waiting list. Tickets with GNWL have the highest chance of getting confirmed.
• RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List): Issued for intermediate stations. These have fewer seats quota, so confirmation chances are generally lower than GNWL.
• PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List): For passengers traveling between intermediate stations and who book tickets from a "pooled" quota shared by several smaller stations.
• TQWL (Tatkal Waiting List): When you book a Tatkal ticket and it goes into a waiting list, it's called TQWL. The chances of TQWL confirmation are very low.
• CAN (Cancelled): The ticket has been cancelled.

When is the Train Chart Prepared?

The final confirmation status of your ticket is known after the train chart is prepared. The first chart is usually prepared **3-4 hours before the train's scheduled departure** from its originating station. A second, final chart is prepared about **30 minutes before departure** to allocate any remaining vacant seats due to last-minute cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I check PNR status without an internet connection?

Yes, you can check your 139 PNR status. Simply send an SMS with your 10-digit PNR number to 139, or dial 139 and follow the IVR instructions.

Why does my PNR status show "Chart Not Prepared"?

This means the final seat allocation has not yet been done by the railway authorities. As explained above, this usually happens a few hours before the train's departure time.

Where is the PNR number located on a ticket?

On an e-ticket from IRCTC, the PNR number is usually located at the top-left corner. On a counter ticket, it is also printed clearly near the top.

Is it safe to share my PNR number?

You should be cautious about sharing your PNR number publicly, as it contains personal details like your name, age, and gender. Only share it with trusted individuals or use secure, official portals for checking the status.

Conclusion: Travel with Confidence

The 10-digit PNR number is your unique key to a well-planned and stress-free train journey. By regularly checking your train ticket status, you stay informed and in control. Our tool provides a safe and easy starting point for your enquiry, guiding you to the official sources where your data is secure. Always remember to check your PNR status, especially a few hours before your journey, to know your final seat and coach details. Happy and safe travels!