What is PNR Number & How to Check it ?
07 May, 2024
Synopsis:
The IRCTC website is the official website from where you can book your train tickets in India.
When you book your train tickets, you are assigned a unique booking number called PNR Number.
HDFC Bank’s PayZapp has partnered with IRCTC, allowing you to book your train tickets and check PNR status directly on the app.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, (IRCTC) is the official government body through which you can buy train tickets online in India. Besides being an independent entity and having its own website, IRCTC has also partnered with HDFC Bank’s PayZapp, allowing passengers to easily book tickets. Every ticket comprises a very important booking identification code known as the PNR Number. But what is PNR no? Why is it important and what are different ways in which you can check it. Let’s find out answers to all these questions in this article.
What Is PNR Number?
In Indian Railways, the PNR number is a unique 10-digit code which is allotted to every train ticket you book in India. PNR stands for Passenger Name Record and it serves as a reference number to identify your booking details, including your personal information (name, age, sex), travel data (boarding and arrival stations), and seating details.
Additionally, the PNR also incorporates the status of your reservations, including whether your ticket is confirmed, waitlisted, or if the booking is marked as a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). When you wish to check your booking details, you need to enter the PNR number on the Indian Railway’s official website or mobile app.
Essentially, the PNR number helps Indian railway authorities manage passenger information efficiently and facilitates smooth travel experiences for millions of passengers across India’s extensive railway network.
Structure of a PNR Number
Now that we know what PNR number means, let’s attempt to understand the secret code or the logical structure behind every PNR number allotted by the Railways. Here’s a breakdown:
The first three digits of the PNR number denote the PRS (Passenger Reservation System) or the location from which the ticket is booked.
The following seven digits are randomly generated, representing the unique booking record.
The last digit is a check digit used by the railways, including the travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) for validation purposes.
This structured format efficiently organises passenger data, aiding in ticket management and ensuring smooth travel experiences across India’s vast railway network.
Methods to Check PNR Number
There are several convenient methods through which you can check your Passenger Name Record number and ascertain the status of your train ticket. Here are the most common ways:
Online via Indian Railway Websites
You can visit the IRCTC website or log in to your IRCTC account, navigate to the ‘PNR Enquiry’ section, and enter your PNR number to check your booking status. Additionally, the official Indian Railways website also provides a similar reservation and PNR enquiry service for those who may not have an IRCTC account and may have booked their tickets through travel agents.
IRCTC Mobile App
The IRCTC mobile app, available for both Android and iOS platforms, offers a convenient way to check PNR status on the go. Once you have downloaded the IRCTC app, you must create your account, log in to it, and access the PNR enquiry feature to receive real-time updates on your ticket status.
SMS Enquiry
You can also check your PNR status by sending an SMS text to 139, which is also the official Railway inquiry phone number. The alternate number to make an official PNR inquiry via SMS is 5676747. Typically, you need to send the PNR number in a specific format (PNR <space> 10-digit PNR Number). Upon sending the message, you will receive an automated response with the current ticket status.
Phone Call
The official number for SMS inquiries, 139, is also the number you can dial to inquire about your PNR status. Once you dial 139, the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System will prompt you to select your preferred language and relay a menu of options to select. You must follow the prompts and choose the PNR inquiry option, after which you will need to either enter or dictate your PNR number.
Railways Station
Lastly, you can visit your nearby railway station, head to the tickets reservation desk and speak to an IRCTC representative to inquire about your PNR status. Ensure you carry a hard or soft copy of your ticket, comprising the PNR number so that the railways representative can assist you with your query.
How To Check What Is PNR Number Through PayZapp
HDFC Bank’s PayZapp has tied up with numerous travel aggregators, including IRCTC, through which you can book your train tickets and even check your PNR number status. Here’s how you can use PayZapp for PNR-related inquiries.
Register and log in: Ensure you have the PayZapp UPI Payment app installed on your smartphone. If you are a new user, you must register your account and login to the app.
Navigate to PayZapp SHOP: Within the PayZapp app, locate the ‘SHOP’ section and click on ‘Trains.’ You will be directed to the IRCTC ticket booking page.
Enter PNR Number: Select the option to check PNR status and enter your 10-digit PNR number in the designated field.
Retrieve Booking Details: Once the PNR number is submitted, PayZapp will fetch the relevant booking information from the Indian Railways’ database.
View Status and Details: The app will display your PNR status along with details such as seat allocation, journey dates, and ticket confirmation status.
How To Book Train Tickets Through PayZapp
You can book your train tickets through PayZapp with great ease. Here are the steps:
Login to your PayZapp account, go to the ‘SHOP’ tab and click on ‘Trains.’
You will be redirected to the HDFC Bank SmartBUY IRCTC link.
Enter your departure and arrival destinations and travel dates and choose your preferred train.
Enter your personal details like travellers names, age, sex, and your email ID and contact number.
Review your booking, choose your preferred payment mode and complete the payment.
Click here to book train ticket through PayZapp on your IOS phone.
Click here to make IRCTC train ticket booking through PayZapp on your Android phone.
Book Train Tickets and Check PNR Numbers Effortlessly on PayZapp
Created with the aim to streamline all your bill payment, travel booking, and shopping needs, PayZapp is a one-stop shop and your answer to all your financial needs. Its tie up with the IRCTC makes it easy for you to book your train tickets. Besides enabling quick bookings, PayZapp also offers exciting rewards and cashback on your train travel bookings. You can earn up to 3X reward points and up to 5% cashback on your IRCTC train tickets booked on PayZapp.
Download PayZapp to book train tickets conveniently and earn attractive rewards.
*Disclaimer: 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.
