New Delhi: Good news for rail travelers! Now, Indian Railways is introducing an emergency quota for Amrit Bharat Express-II and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. The Railway Board has issued orders in regards to the same. At present, only the women’s quota, Divyang (PwD), senior citizen, and duty pass quotas were applicable in these trains. But now, in special situations, passengers will find it easier to get a seat/berth.
The Indian Railways provides Emergency Quota (EQ) which caters to meet the urgent travel needs of passengers. The quota is for only certain categories of passengers.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat-II trains will now have the following types of quotas:
- Emergency
- Ladies
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Senior Citizens and Duty Pass.
Amrit Bharat Express and Vande Bharat Sleeper Quota rules
The Railway Board said Amrit Bharat-II trains with seven or more Sleeper (SL) class coaches are expected to have an emergency quota of 24 berths.
In Vande Bharat sleeper trains, there will be emergency quotas in different classes:
1A (First AC)
Weekday: 4 berths
Weekend: 6 berths
2A (Second AC)
Weekday: 20 berths
Weekend: 30 berths
3A (Third AC)
Weekday: 24 berths
Weekend: 42 berths
Benefits of Emergency Quota in booking tickets
The Railway said this quota will be implemented from the ARP (Advance Reservation Period) or the no-booking date, whichever comes first.
The Railways decision comes as a boon for the rail travellers as the chances of getting a conformed ticket is more if an individual plans to travel at a short notice.
It comes as a huge relief for passengers with special needs. The Railway can adjust the quota from time to time based on demand.
According to the Railway Board, zonal railways can adjust the emergency quota after considering the need and seat availability.
At present, Indian Railways is operating 12 Amrit Bharat Express and one Vande Bharat Sleeper Train that runs between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.
