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Emergency quotas will now be implemented on Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains. The Railways have taken this important and significant decision. This will make it easier for those traveling suddenly to get tickets. Let's find out how this will benefit.

The biggest problem with rail travel is when you have to travel suddenly and can't find a ticket. Now, the Railways have taken a major decision to address this problem. Emergency quotas are being implemented on Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains. This means that passengers will have an increased chance of getting a seat in special circumstances. The Railway Board has issued an order. What is this new rule? How many seats will be available, and who will benefit? Let's find out.

Railway's Big Decision

The Railway Ministry has taken a major step by deciding to implement emergency quotas on Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains. The Railway Board has issued orders in this regard to the Principal Chief Commercial Managers of all zonal railways and the Managing Director of CRIS. Until now, only the women's quota, the disabled quota, the senior citizen quota, and the duty pass quota were applicable on these trains. Other reservation provisions, such as RAC, were not previously included in these trains. However, after a review, the Railways have decided to add an emergency quota.

What has changed in Amrit Bharat trains?

According to the Railway Board's new directive, a maximum of 24 berths can be reserved under the emergency quota in Amrit Bharat trains with seven or more sleeper class coaches. This means that in case of an emergency travel need, the Railways will have a limited number of seats available, which can be allocated under special circumstances.

Separate arrangements in Vande Bharat Sleeper

The emergency quota in Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has been determined according to different classes. In First AC (1A) class, four berths can be reserved for the emergency quota on weekdays and six berths on weekends. In Second AC (2A) class, 20 berths have been reserved for weekdays and 30 berths on weekends. In third AC (3A) coaches, 24 berths have been reserved for the emergency quota on weekdays and 42 on weekends. This arrangement has been made to accommodate demand and travel pressure on trains.

When will the rule come into effect?

The Railway Board has clarified that this quota will be applicable from the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) or the date of booking, whichever is earlier. This means that the emergency quota will be effective as soon as ticket booking opens. Zonal railways have been given the authority to review this quota periodically based on demand and seat availability, and make changes if necessary.

How will passengers benefit?

It often happens that travel requires an emergency—such as a medical emergency, family reason, or official work. In such times, obtaining tickets becomes difficult. The emergency quota will allow the Railways to reserve some seats, which can be offered in urgent situations. This is expected to provide relief to passengers. However, this quota will be limited and will not be open like normal booking. It will be used only in special circumstances.

Why is this step important?

Demand for Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains is growing rapidly. Passengers are particularly enthusiastic about the Vande Bharat Sleeper. In such a situation, implementing an emergency quota is considered an important step towards improving passenger convenience. The Railways says this arrangement will be similar to other mail and express trains, where quotas are reviewed as needed.

Overall, this decision is a relief for passengers who have to travel suddenly. Now, the chances of getting a seat in Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains, even in special circumstances, will be better than before.