FAQ on Indian Railways PNR (Passenger Name Record) Number

FAQ on Indian Railways PNR, A PNR (Passenger Name Record) number is a unique 10-digit number generated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railways whenever a train ticket is booked. This number stores important details related to your journey, including the passenger’s name, train number, travel date, boarding station, destination, coach and berth information, booking status, and current reservation status.

The PNR number is essential for tracking the progress of your ticket, especially if it is in Waitlist (WL) or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) status. Passengers can check their PNR status online through the IRCTC website, National Train Enquiry System (NTES), railway enquiry portals, or mobile apps.

Why is the PNR Number Important?

The PNR number helps passengers stay informed about their reservation before the journey.

Travellers can use the PNR to verify whether their ticket is confirmed, waitlisted, or upgraded after chart preparation. Once the reservation is confirmed, the PNR displays the coach and berth details.

Passengers should check their PNR status regularly, especially a few hours before departure, as cancellations or chart preparation may change the ticket status. Regularly tracking the PNR helps travellers enjoy a smoother journey and make alternate travel arrangements if the ticket remains unconfirmed. Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or family visits, understanding your PNR status is an important part of planning a hassle-free railway journey. Here you will know all about FAQ on Indian Railways PNR.

• What is PNR Number?

PNR (Passenger Name Record) is a 10 digit unique number which is provided by the Indian railways reservation system to its passengers whether they book their ticket online or by visiting a reservation counter.

• How can I locate the PNR number on the railway ticket?

You can easily locate PNR number on the top left corner of a railway ticket. See image:

• What is the use of PNR Number?

It is used to know the current status of a railway reservation. You can check the current status of your PNR by visiting oyatri.com or indianrail.gov.in/pnr_Enq.html.

• How does railway generate PNR number?

A PNR is generated by the Indian Railways automated system known as CRS (Central Reservation System).The PNR is generated only after a passenger provides information such as passenger name, gender, age, berth preference, train number, date of journey, class of travel, contact information, and so on. A passenger can provide these details to the CRS online or by writing them on a printed reservation slip.

• How can I find the PNR Number when I book ticket online?

If you book your ticket online then you can check your PNR on your e-ticket or i-ticket. You can download it from your IRCTC account. IRCTC also sends SMS after booking which looks like this:
“PNR:6413511019, TRAIN:12558, DOJ:22-06-12, 3A, NDLS TO BMKI, R SHRIVASTAVA, B6 56, FARE:1535, SC:20+PG CHGS” .

• What happens if confirm berth is not available?

If confirm berth is not available then the reservation status will show either RAC (Reservation against Cancellation) or WL (Waiting List).

• What is RAC (Reservation against Cancellation)?

The passengers whose names figure under R.A.C., are provided reserved sitting accommodation initially and are likely to get berths becoming vacant due to last minutes cancellation of reservation of passengers not turning up in time before the departure of the train. Depending on the length of the waiting queue, there is a likelihood that his reservation will promoted to a confirmed berth. RAC ticket holders can board the train and can sit on the two side chairs. If a berth becomes available due to cancellation, one RAC holder will get the berth, and the other RAC holder can convert the two side chairs into a single berth. Read More…

• What is WL (Waiting List)?

WL (Waiting List) status indicates that the passenger does not have a guaranteed berth or seat on the train. If enough passengers with confirmed or RAC tickets cancel their reservations, the railway allocates the available berths to waitlisted passengers. Railway officials set the maximum waiting list limit for each train. Once the system issues the maximum number of waitlisted tickets, it rejects further reservation requests and displays a REGRET status.

• Why do Railway reservations with RAC or WL status have two numbers?

Railway reservations with RAC or WL status have two numbers eg. WL30/WL18, WL19/RAC11. The first number indicates the reservation status at the time of booking (also known as booking status), while the second number indicates the current position (also known as current status). The status WL20/WL18 means that the passenger’s position was at wait list 20 at the time of purchasing the ticket, while the current position has improved to wait list 18 following 2 cancellations.

• What are the different symbols which are used by Indian Railways to communicate PNR status?

Following is a list of symbols which are used by Indian Railways to communicate PNR status in brief:

To find out more updates related to Indian Railways like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/Travelkhana or follow us on twitter : twitter.com/Travelkhana.
For food delivery during train journey visit us www.travelkhana.com or simply call on 8800138811.