Riding Indian Railways can sometimes feel like going on an adventure into the unknown. After booking your train ticket, you likely received a PNR number to keep track of your reservation status. This magic string of letters and numbers is your key to unlocking real-time updates on your ticket during your rail journey.
Understanding how to decode your PNR status and track your train gives you greater peace of mind and control over your trip. This guide will explore the inner workings of the Indian Railway passenger reservation system. You’ll learn step-by-step how to track your PNR status and train through every mile of its route.
How the PNR System Works
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. This unique number identifies your ticket information in the Indian Railway database. The PNR system maintains a real-time record of the reservation status for all passengers traveling on IR.
Here are some key facts about PNRs:
- PNRs consist of 10 digits formatted as xxxxxxxxxx
- First 3 digits denote the zone and station code
- Next 2 digits show the year and month of journey
- Last 5 digits represent the sequential ticket number
Each PNR provides up-to-date details on:
- Passenger and journey information – name, age, boarding station etc.
- Current reservation status – waitlisted, confirmed or canceled
- Train details like coach and seat numbers
Armed with your PNR, you have an inside look into the status of your ticket during every leg of your trip.
Check PNR Status Online
The Indian Railway website offers a quick and convenient way to check your current reservation status online.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Go to the official IRCTC portal
- Enter your 10-digit PNR number
- Enter the captcha code shown
- Click on Get Status
You will then see the complete details of your ticket reservation, including:
-
Name of passengers
-
Train number and travel dates
-
Boarding station
-
Current status:
- CNF – Confirmed
- WL – Waitlisted
- RAC – Reservation Against Cancellation
-
Coach and seat numbers
-
Train route and stops
Checking online is the quickest way to find out if your waitlisted ticket got confirmed or track changes to your reservation.
Track PNR Status via SMS
You can also check the status of your railway PNR via SMS text messages. IRCTC has allotted exclusive phone numbers of zonal railways to request your reservation details over SMS.
Here’s how to check PNR status by SMS:
- Create an SMS to the special IRCTC number for your zone
- Type: PNR <10-digit PNR>
- Send it
For example:
PNR 2304376148
You will promptly receive an SMS with the complete status of your booking.
This is useful when you have no internet access. As long as you have cell signal just text your PNR to the railway zone’s SMS number for anytime anywhere updates.
Understanding Reservation Status Codes
Once you check your PNR status, you may see some cryptic reservation codes. Here is how to decipher them:
| Status Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CNF | Confirmed (berth/seat allocated) |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waitlist |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waitlist |
| RAC | Reservation Against Cancellation |
| CKG | Clerck Given (probably will get confirmed) |
| GNWL | General Waitlist |
On rare occasions you may see:
- REGRET/WL – Unable to confirm waitlist after chart preparation
- CAN/MOD – Ticket canceled due to new train timing
These status markers give you an accurate sense of your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
- A CNF assures your spot on the train is locked.
- A high WL number indicates you’re less likely to get confirmed.
- RAC means there’s a chance of getting an vacant seat after last minute cancellations.
Understanding the lingo helps you set proper expectations for your journey or make backup plans if needed.
How to Track Your Train
Beyond your PNR status, you’ll also want to track where your train is during your travels. Indian Railways provides multiple channels to closely follow your train’s movement.
Real-time Train Tracking Apps
The Indian Railway has created official apps for precisely tracking trains:
- Rail Madad & NTES: Get minute-to-minute updates on running status – delayed, on-time, approaching etc.
- Spot Your Train: See your train’s exact current location visualized on a map.
These apps provide detailed insights on a train’s progress along its route. You’ll know if it’s running late before even getting to the station.
SMS Train Tracking
You can also use SMS messages to track trains on the go.
Follow this template:
AD <train no> <DDMM>
For example:
AD 12947 131017
This returns real-time details like:
- Current train status – late, on-time
- Station just departed or next arriving
- Platform numbers
- Delay in minutes if any
SMS tracking comes in handy when you don’t have a smartphone or stable internet access.
Station Display Boards
Old school display boards at stations show the updated status of trains due to arrive. However, they usually only give basic on-time or minutes delayed information for incoming trains. They lack granular insights on a train’s current location.
Apps offer superior accuracy in tracking incoming train movements leading up to arrivals and departures. But glancing at the station displays can provide helpful supplementary information.
Call Railway Helplines
Worst comes to worst, Indian Railways operates national helpline numbers to get support. The 139 rail inquiry number covers:
- PNR status
- Availability of seats
- Train schedules, routes and fares
- Railway complaints
Having the railway inquiry contact is useful as a last resort when all else fails. There may be long waits, but calling provides a direct line to get critical information.
| Zone | Helpline Number |
|---|---|
| Central | 139 |
| Eastern | 139 |
| East Central | 139 |
| Eastern Freight | 025-26784//// |
| North Central | 139 |
| North Eastern | 0361-2739513 |
| Northern | 139 |
| North Western | 13221 |
| Southern | 139 |
| South Central | 139 |
| South Eastern | 139 |
| South East Central | 139 |
| Western | 139 |
| West Central | 139 |
This detailed zone-wise list ensures you have the right contact saved for your train’s route.
Key Takeaways
- Your PNR contains valuable real-time updates on your reservation status
- Check status online, via SMS or phone for regular progress
- Learn how to interpret cryptic status codes like CNF, RAC and WL
- Multiple channels exist to track trains – apps, SMS, station boards and helplines
Understanding how to decode your PNR number and keep tabs on your train empowers you to travel Indian Railways smoothly and stress-free! With greater vision and control over your journey, you can truly relax, enjoy the views and soak up the adventure of crossing India by rail.
