New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved an emergency quota in Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, partially revising its earlier reservation policy for these premium services.
The decision was announced in a Railway Board circular dated February 9, 2026, allowing emergency quota seats in addition to existing quotas for Ladies, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Duty Pass holders.
Earlier, in January 2026, the Railways had restricted all reservation quotas in these trains except RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). After reviewing passenger demand and operational needs, the policy has now been modified.
How many Emergency Quota seats will be available?
Amrit Bharat Trains
For Amrit Bharat Express trains with seven or more Sleeper (SL) coaches, 24 berths will be reserved under the emergency quota.
Vande Bharat Sleeper (VBS) Trains
In Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, emergency quota seats will be distributed across classes as follows:
1A (First AC):
4 berths on weekdays | 6 berths on weekends
2A (Second AC):
20 berths on weekdays | 30 berths on weekends
3A (Third AC):
24 berths on weekdays | 42 berths on weekends
The Railways said these seats may be earmarked from the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) or from the "no booking date," whichever comes earlier. Zonal Railways have also been given the authority to review and adjust the quota depending on passenger demand.
What is Emergency Quota in Indian railways?
The Emergency Quota (EQ) is a special reservation facility meant for urgent and genuine travel needs. It is primarily used for:
- Medical emergencies
- Government duty travel
- Official emergency travel
- Special cases approved by railway authorities
Unlike regular train ticket booking or Tatkal booking, Emergency Quota tickets cannot be booked online via IRCTC. Applications must be submitted through designated railway officials, and approval is granted only after verification.
Railway authorities review each request carefully before allocating seats.
Emergency Quota vs Tatkal booking: What's the difference?
Many passengers confuse Emergency Quota with Tatkal ticket booking, but both are different.
Tatkal tickets can be booked by any passenger by paying an additional charge for last-minute travel.
Emergency Quota seats are approved only in exceptional cases and are provided at normal fare, not premium rates.
Tatkal opens for public booking at a fixed time, while Emergency Quota requires official approval.
Emergency Quota is not meant for vacation or convenience travel.
Railway officials have clarified that passengers should not treat Emergency Quota as a backup if their ticket remains waitlisted.