Ever wondered how the PNR Number of your ticket is generated? Today, we will explain this process to you. Scroll down to learn more.
PNR stands for “Passenger Name Record”. Indian Railways’ PNR numbers are 10-digit numerical combinations against which passengers’ details and records are stored in the IRCTC database. These details range from the railway zone to the booking status. With ixigo’s easy-to-use website, you can complete your PNR status check within seconds.
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How is a PNR Number Generated?
Out of the 10 digits, the first three digits store information about the zone and the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) from which the ticket has been booked.
The first digit denotes the railway zone which is the train’s origin. The next two digits indicate the PRS from where the ticket has been issued. Below is the key for these digits:
- 1: South Central Railway (Secunderabad PRS).
- 2, 3: Northern Railway, North Central Railway, North Western Railway, North Eastern Railway (New Delhi PRS).
- 4, 5: Southern Railway, South Western Railway, South Central Railway (Chennai PRS).
- 6, 7: Northeast Frontier Railway, East Central Railway, Eastern Railway, East Coast Railway, South Eastern Railway, South East Central Railway (Kolkata PRS).
- 8, 9: Central Railway, West Central Railway, Western Railway (Mumbai PRS).
The last seven digits are generated randomly in order to keep the PNR number unique for each booked train ticket.
Once the journey is completed, the PNR number becomes invalid and after a certain period of time, it’s flushed out of the Railway database system.
To carry out your PNR enquiry within seconds, make sure to visit ixigo’s website or app.
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