Why Has Indian Railways Brought Back Emergency Quota in Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat?

The Railway Board has announced the restoration of the Emergency Quota (EQ) in Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains, effective immediately. This decision comes after evaluating passenger demand, operational requirements, and berth availability in premium long-distance services.

Under the revised rules, Amrit Bharat trains with seven or more sleeper coaches must reserve 24 emergency berths, while Vande Bharat sleeper services will allocate berths based on class and weekday versus weekend demand. The EQ is reserved for specific categories such as government officials, duty pass holders, and passengers with urgent travel needs.

This move is expected to improve accessibility and ensure smoother travel for passengers requiring last-minute reservations, while balancing operational efficiency in high-demand routes.

Key Highlights

• Policy Update: Emergency Quota restored in Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains.
• Allocation: 24 berths reserved in Amrit Bharat trains with 7+ sleeper coaches.
• Flexibility: Vande Bharat EQ varies by class and weekday/weekend demand.
• Purpose: Supports urgent travel needs and operational efficiency.
• Impact: Enhances convenience in premium long-distance train services.

Sources: Indian Railways Circular, Hindustan Times Travel Desk, Economic Times