What if My RLWL is Not Confirmed Until Departure - Should I Travel?

Introduction

Traveling by train in India can be a hassle, especially when dealing with reservations, waitlists, and electronic tickets. In this article, we will address a common query: What should I do if my RLWL (Remote Location Wait List) is not confirmed until departure? Should you still try to travel, or are you better off staying home?

Understanding RLWL and Ticket Categories

Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the different types of tickets you might have:

Window Ticket: A ticket where a seat is allocated. E-ticket: An electronic ticket booked online. Waitlisted Ticket (WL): A ticket where a seat is yet to be confirmed. RLWL: A waitlisted ticket for remote locations.

What to Do if Your RLWL is Not Confirmed

The next crucial step is determining whether you should travel or not based on the ticket you have.

Window Ticket

If you have a window ticket, you might still be able to travel, but you might not have a seat. Here are your options:

Request a Tatkal Executive (TTE) for a seat allocation: A TTE (Ticketing and Travelling Executive) can arrange for a seat if available. Find a co-passenger who can share their seat: Indian travelers often find help from fellow passengers.

E-ticket

An e-ticket will automatically get cancelled if your RLWL is not confirmed. Here's what happens next:

Your ticket is cancelled: Once the RLWL is not confirmed, your ticket is automatically cancelled. Refund: The money for your ticket will be refunded to your bank account within 2-4 working days.

Rules and Regulations

There are specific rules regarding waitlisted tickets and e-tickets:

No Travel on Waitlisted Tickets

By rule, you cannot travel on a waitlisted ticket (WL or RLWL). Here are the reasons:

No confirmed seat: Since the seat is not confirmed, traveling without a confirmed ticket can result in legal issues. Automatic cancellation: The e-ticket is automatically cancelled, and the money is refunded.

Physical Ticket vs. E-ticket

The treatment differs based on whether you have a physical ticket or an e-ticket:

Physical Ticket: If you have a printed ticket: TTE Approval Required: You can travel if a TTE approves your travel request and allocates a seat. E-ticket: If you have an e-ticket: No Travel: You cannot travel as the ticket will be cancelled, and the money refunded.

Booking Mode

The mode of booking your ticket impacts whether you can travel:

Reservation Counter: If a ticket is booked at a reservation counter: Travel is Possible: You can travel even if it's an RLWL, provided there's a TTE's approval and a seat. Online Booking (IRCTC Website): If the ticket is booked through IRCTC: No Travel: The ticket will be automatically cancelled, and the money refunded within 2-3 working days.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to travel or not depends on the type of ticket you hold and the mode of booking. It's advisable to:

Check your ticket status and make arrangements with a TTE for a seat if possible. Avoid traveling if your e-ticket is waitlisted as it will be automatically cancelled and refunded. Stay informed about your ticket status and make the best decision to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Happy and Safe Journey!