PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a 10-digit number given to every train ticket booked through Indian Railways. This number is created when you book a ticket and holds all the details related to your journey and booking.
Why is PNR Important?
The PNR number helps both passengers and railway staff. It:
- Stores passenger and journey details.
- Shows your ticket status (like Confirmed, RAC, or Waitlist).
- Lets you check updates or changes to your journey.
- Is used by ticket checkers to confirm your booking.
What Information is Stored in a PNR?
A PNR contains the following:
1. Passenger Details
- Name of each passenger.
- Age and gender.
- Number of people under the same booking.
2. Journey Details
- Train number and name.
- Date of travel.
- Boarding and destination stations.
- Departure and arrival times.
3. Booking Details
- Travel class (like Sleeper, AC 3 Tier, etc.).
- Coach and seat or berth number (if assigned).
- Ticket status – CNF (Confirmed), WL (Waitlist), or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation).
- Type of booking quota – General, Tatkal, Ladies, etc.
4. Payment Details
- Date and time of booking.
- Fare paid.
- Mode of payment (online or at the counter).
How is PNR Used?
✅ For Passengers:
- Check Ticket Status: Use the PNR number to see if your ticket is confirmed.
- Get Travel Alerts: Railways may send SMS updates about train delays or platform changes.
- Show to Ticket Checker: The ticket checker checks your PNR to confirm your seat.
✅ For Indian Railways:
- Helps manage bookings and cancellations.
- Tracks how many people are travelling.
- Sends automatic messages to passengers.
Where to Find Your PNR Number
- On printed tickets: Top left corner.
- On e-tickets: Shown near the top, next to the booking details.
- On SMS: Sent to your phone after booking.
Example: A PNR number looks like 1234567890. This number stays the same until your journey is over.
Extra Information About PNR
- One PNR for Group: If you book for 2 or more people at once, all passengers are listed under the same PNR.
- PNR Status Types:
- CNF – Confirmed seat or berth.
- WL – On waitlist, no seat yet.
- RAC – You can travel, but might share a berth.
- PNR is Valid only for the specific train and date you booked.
Conclusion
Your PNR number is the key to all your train travel information. It tells you if your seat is confirmed, where you are going, and who you are travelling with. Always keep your PNR safe and use it to check updates before your journey.