How to check PNR status using WhatsApp

Till sometime back, checking your 10-digit PNR or live train status was a tedious job. As train passengers were required to call on the Indian Railway’s reservation enquiry number ‘139’ or had to check ICRTC's website for updates (which too was not easy).

To simplify the process, Indian Railways recently announced partnership with online travel website Make My Trip. The tie-up brings information such as PNR status, live train status and more right on passenger's smartphones. Here’s how it works:

Pre-requisites:

1. You must be running the latest version of WhatsApp

2. Working internet connection

3. Keep your train number and PNR number handy

Steps to follow:

1. Open ‘Dialer’ app on your smartphone

2. Type ‘7349389104’ (official MakeMyTrip WhatsApp) number and add it to your contacts

3. After saving the number, open WhatsApp on your phone and refresh the contacts list

4. Search the contact and tap on it to open the chat window

5. Send your train number to check the live train status and to check the PNR status enter your PNR number

6. After this, MakeMyTrip will send you the real-time train status or booking status of your PNR

To refresh your contact list:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the ‘New message’ icon from the bottom-right corner

2. Now, tap on three-horizontal dots and tap on ‘Refresh’ option

How to check PNR status using WhatsApp

Things to keep in mind:

1. MakeMyTrip won’t respond until you see the ‘Blue’ tick mark on your sent WhatsApp message.

2. Response time can also depend upon the number of enquiries or on server load.