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Booking train tickets has evolved significantly from a tedious, time-consuming task to a quick and convenient process. In the past, travelers had to endure long queues at railway stations and complete extensive paperwork or rely on travel agents who often charged high commissions. However, with digital payment platforms like HDFC Bank's PayZapp, you can now book train tickets online with ease. This article will explore the Tatkal booking system and the implications of a waitlisted ticket marked as TQWL.
Unexpected travel plans can arise due to various reasons, such as urgent family matters or last-minute work commitments. In such scenarios, where road or air connectivity may be limited, train travel often becomes the most viable option. However, securing a seat at the last minute can be challenging.
To address this issue, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introduced the Tatkal scheme. Tatkal, which means "immediate" in Hindi, allows passengers to book train tickets up to one day (24 hours) before their travel date. For instance, if you plan to travel on the 10th, you can book your Tatkal ticket on the 9th, starting from 10 a.m. for AC coaches and 11 a.m. for non-AC coaches.
During peak travel seasons or holidays, the demand for both general and Tatkal tickets typically surges. IRCTC allocates a fixed number of tickets under the Tatkal scheme. If you are not among the first to book when the reservation window opens—whether online or offline—there is a possibility that your Tatkal ticket may be waitlisted.
If you book a Tatkal ticket but it does not receive a confirmed seat or berth number, your ticket will be marked with the initials TQWL. TQWL stands for "Tatkal Quota Waitlisted" ticket. Since a TQWL ticket is not confirmed, you may not be permitted to board the train; however, you can apply for a fare refund according to railway regulations.
The primary purpose of the Tatkal quota is to provide confirmed tickets for last-minute travelers. However, the number of tickets available is limited. If the quota for a specific train on a given day is exhausted, the likelihood of a TQWL ticket being confirmed is minimal.
If your ticket is marked as TQWL1 or TQWL2, this indicates that only one or two cancellations of confirmed Tatkal tickets are needed for yours to be confirmed when the chart is prepared. Conversely, if your ticket has a number higher than TQWL2, the chances of confirmation are significantly reduced.
Most passengers who book Tatkal tickets intend to travel, making them less likely to cancel their reservations. Furthermore, when the chart is finalized, General Waitlisted (GNWL) tickets are given preference over TQWL tickets, further diminishing the chances of getting a confirmed seat.
There are several strategies you can employ to improve your chances of securing a confirmed train ticket:
Whether you need to book your train tickets in advance or under the Tatkal quota, PayZapp simplifies the process. The app allows you to view various trains on your selected route, check applicable fares across different classes, and book up to six tickets in a single session. Additionally, using PayZapp can lead to further rewards and cashback, providing potential savings on your travel expenses. You can earn up to 3X rewards and 5% cashback on train tickets booked via PayZapp.
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*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.