Emergency Quota in Amrit Bharat & Vande Bharat Sleeper: Big Relief for Railway Passengers in 2026

Indian Railways has announced a major decision that brings relief to millions of passengers across the country. The Railway Board has approved the introduction of an Emergency Quota in Amrit Bharat trains and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.

This move is especially important for passengers who often struggle to get confirmed tickets during peak seasons, sudden travel needs, medical emergencies, or urgent official work.

Let’s understand what this new decision means, how many seats will be available under the emergency quota, and how passengers can benefit from it.

What Is the New Railway Board Decision?

As per the official communication issued by the Ministry of Railways, emergency quota seats will now be earmarked in:

• Amrit Bharat Trains
• Vande Bharat Sleeper (VBS) Trains

Earlier, these premium and semi-premium trains had limited quota categories like Ladies quota, Senior Citizen quota, PwD quota, and Duty Pass quota. No other reservation quota, including RAC, was applicable in many cases.

Now, the Railway Board has reviewed the matter and allowed Emergency Quota allocation in these trains as well.

Emergency Quota in Amrit Bharat Trains

How Many Seats Will Be Available?

In Amrit Bharat trains having 7 or more sleeper (SL) coaches, an emergency quota of:

24 berths per train

will be earmarked.

This means even if the train is fully booked, some seats will be reserved under emergency conditions.

Why This Matters

Amrit Bharat trains are designed to provide affordable long-distance travel. These trains are highly popular among middle-class and lower-income passengers. Due to heavy demand, tickets often get fully booked within minutes.

With 24 berths kept aside for emergencies:

• Sudden medical travel becomes easier.
• Government officials and urgent travelers get relief.
• Families facing unavoidable situations can still travel.

Seat Allocation Details

Here’s how seats will be reserved:

Class	Weekdays	Weekend
1A	4	6
2A	20	30
3A	24	42

Key Observations

• More seats are allocated on weekends due to higher demand.
• 3A category has the highest number of emergency seats.
• Even premium 1A class has reserved emergency berths.

This structured approach shows that Railways analyzed travel patterns before implementing the quota.

When Will This Rule Be Applicable?

The emergency quota will be available:

From the beginning of Advance Reservation Period (ARP) or before booking starts — whichever is earlier.

This means the quota will be built into the reservation system right from the start, not added later.

Can the Emergency Quota Be Modified?

Yes.

Zonal Railways are allowed to:

• Review demand patterns periodically
• Adjust quota based on seat availability
• Modify allocation if required

This flexibility ensures the system remains practical and demand-driven rather than rigid.

What Is Emergency Quota in Indian Railways?

Emergency Quota is a special reservation category used for:

• Medical emergencies
• Government duty travel
• Urgent official movement
• Special cases approved by authorities

Unlike Tatkal, which is open to the public, emergency quota is generally processed through railway authorities and requires proper justification.

How Is It Different from Tatkal?

Many passengers confuse emergency quota with Tatkal booking. Let’s clarify:

Feature	Emergency Quota	Tatkal
Booking Type	Special approval based	Public booking
Charges	Normal fare	Higher charges
Availability	Limited & controlled	Limited but open to all
Purpose	Genuine emergencies	Last-minute booking

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Emergency quota, however, requires an official request through railway authorities.

Why This Decision Is Important in 2026

The year 2026 has seen a rapid increase in:

• Inter-state migration
• Work-related travel
• Education movement
• Medical referrals to metro cities

With trains like Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper becoming increasingly popular, ticket demand has skyrocketed.

Adding emergency quota ensures:

• Fair access in critical situations
• Reduced dependency on Tatkal
• Better management of passenger expectations
• More humane travel policies

Impact on Passengers

1. Relief During Fully Booked Trains

Even if all general seats are booked, emergency seats may still be available under approved circumstances.

2. Better Weekend Planning

With higher allocation on weekends in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, urgent weekend travel becomes manageable.

3. Transparency

Since the allocation numbers are officially defined, the system becomes more transparent.

4. Improved Passenger Confidence

Passengers feel secure knowing that a safety net exists for genuine emergencies.

Who Can Apply for Emergency Quota?

While exact procedural details may vary by zone, typically:

• Government officials on duty
• Medical emergency cases
• Railway staff recommendations
• Court orders
• Special administrative cases

Proper documentation is usually required.

Passengers should contact:

• Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Office
• Chief Reservation Supervisor
• Authorized Railway Officials

Challenges and Practical Considerations

While this decision is welcome, certain practical aspects remain:

• Limited seats mean not everyone will qualify.
• Approval process may take time.
• Documentation verification is necessary.
• Misuse must be prevented.

The success of this policy depends on strict implementation and fair usage.

What About RAC and Other Quotas?

Earlier communication had stated that only certain quotas were applicable in these trains:

• Ladies quota
• Senior Citizen quota
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
• Duty Pass quota

Now, emergency quota joins the list. However, RAC policies may still depend on train category rules.

Passengers should check updated rules on official railway websites.

Future Possibilities

This step may lead to:

• Expansion of emergency quota in other premium trains
• Digital tracking of quota usage
• Transparent application system
• Online emergency request mechanism

If implemented properly, it can modernize Indian Railways’ reservation system.

Final Thoughts

The decision to introduce Emergency Quota in Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is a thoughtful move by the Railway Board.

It balances:

• High passenger demand
• Humanitarian considerations
• Operational flexibility

For millions of travelers across India, especially those facing sudden travel needs, this decision offers genuine relief.

Railways continues to evolve, and this reform shows responsiveness to public demand.

For official circulars and policy updates, always refer to the official railway website mentioned earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the emergency quota in Amrit Bharat trains?

Amrit Bharat trains with 7 or more sleeper coaches will have 24 berths reserved under emergency quota.

2. How many emergency seats are available in Vande Bharat Sleeper?

Seats vary by class and day:

• 1A: 4 (weekdays), 6 (weekends)
• 2A: 20 (weekdays), 30 (weekends)
• 3A: 24 (weekdays), 42 (weekends)

3. Can common passengers directly book emergency quota online?

No. Emergency quota is not like Tatkal. It requires official approval and documentation.

4. Is emergency quota available from booking start date?

Yes. It will be earmarked from the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) or before booking begins.

5. Does this apply to all Vande Bharat trains?

Currently, it applies to Vande Bharat Sleeper trains as per official communication.

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6. Is Tatkal still available?

Yes. Tatkal booking continues separately through IRCTC.

7. Can zonal railways change the quota numbers?

Yes. Zonal Railways can review and adjust allocations based on demand patterns.