Indian Railways to Introduce New PNR Number Series for Premium Trains
Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a new 10-digit PNR series for more than a dozen premium trains, including Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat services. Find out which numbers will change and how the new reservation system will work.
Until now, the initial digit of the 10-digit PNR number issued on reserved railway tickets has been determined by a system linked to the Railways’ older reservation database. Under the proposed new system, this arrangement will change, with a new series of PNR numbers being introduced.
Under the new arrangement, PNR numbers will begin with 1, 3, 5 or 7. The Jhansi division includes several major stations, including Jhansi, Gwalior, Banda and Lalitpur. A large number of passengers from these stations travel on long-distance express, superfast and mail trains.
The change in the PNR series will apply to new reservations for railway tickets. Consequently, passengers booking reserved tickets on these rail sections will also receive tickets under the new system.
Several prominent trains passing through Jhansi railway station are included in the list of services associated with the proposed change. These include Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, Taj Express, Bundelkhand Express, Mahakoshal Express, Barauni Mail, Jhansi–Lucknow Intercity, Jhansi–Etawah Link Express, Khajuraho–Udaipur Intercity and Khajuraho–Banaras Vande Bharat, along with other premium trains.
Why the New System Is Needed
To modernise the existing reservation system in line with advances in technology, the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is working on a next-generation reservation system.
The objective of the new system is to modernise the technical infrastructure supporting railway reservations and develop capacity to meet future requirements. The introduction of a new PNR number series is being described as part of this broader technological transition.
The proposed change will affect the numbering system used for newly booked reserved tickets, including those issued for passengers travelling on several important routes connected to Jhansi, Gwalior, Banda and Lalitpur. The move forms part of the Railways’ efforts to upgrade its reservation infrastructure for future needs.

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