Railway Board Revises Emergency Quota Rules for New Train Categories
The Ministry of Railways has announced a significant revision to its quota rules, specifically introducing an Emergency Quota (EQ) in the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat-II trains. This move aims to address urgent travel needs while maintaining structured allocation for specific passenger categories.
Introduction of Emergency Quota in Premium Trains
In a directive issued on February 9, the Railway Board confirmed that after reviewing a previous notification from January 15, the emergency quota will now be implemented in Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat-II trains. This decision expands the quota system to include five distinct categories: Emergency, Ladies, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Senior Citizens, and Duty Pass.
No other reservation quotas, including Reservation against Cancellation (RAC), will be applicable in these trains, streamlining the booking process for these premium services.
Specific Berth Allocations for Emergency Quota
The Railway Board has detailed specific berth allocations for the emergency quota in these trains. For Amrit Bharat-II trains with seven or more Sleeper (SL) class coaches, an initial emergency quota of 24 berths has been earmarked. Currently, there are 12 Amrit Bharat-II trains in operation, introduced from January 2026 onwards.
For the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, which commenced commercial operations on January 22, 2026, running between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya in Assam, the emergency quota varies by class and day:
- Weekdays: 20 berths in 2A class, 24 berths in 3A class, and 4 berths in 1A class.
- Weekends: 30 berths in 2A class, 42 berths in 3A class, and 6 berths in 1A class.
Eligibility and Purpose of Emergency Quota
The Emergency Quota is designed to meet urgent travel requirements but is not accessible to all passengers. It is reserved for specific categories, ensuring that those with immediate needs, such as medical emergencies or official duties, can secure tickets at short notice. This system helps balance demand and availability in high-demand train services.
The Railway Board emphasized that this revision follows a comprehensive review to enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency. By limiting quotas to the five specified types, the board aims to reduce complexity and improve the reservation experience for travelers on these modern train models.
This update reflects Indian Railways' ongoing efforts to adapt its policies to new train introductions and evolving passenger demands, ensuring that emergency travel needs are adequately addressed without compromising on service quality.
