Indian Railways has restored the emergency quota for premium sleeper trains – Vande Bharat sleeper and Amrit Bharat. The purpose behind reintroducing the emergency quota is to serve those in urgent need of train tickets due to unexpected circumstances. 

Indian Railways continues to review and revise its policies to meet the evolving demands of travellers. In this guide, we have discussed all that you need to know about the emergency quota in Indian Railways for premium sleeper trains.

What Is the Emergency Quota?

The emergency quota in Indian Railways is meant for emergency situations. Unlike general ticket reservations available on standard reservation platforms, emergency quota tickets are available only under specific circumstances. So, only those in urgent need can access these tickets.

How Emergency Quota Differs from General Reservation

• Regular Quota

For general reservations, the tickets are made available on the standard booking window. Once seats are sold out, passengers are placed on a waiting list.

• Tatkal Quota

Tatkal quota tickets are typically available one day before the journey date. Often available in an urgent slot, these tickets are released in a limited time window and usually sell out quickly.

• Waitlist Bookings

Once all tickets under the general quota are sold, passengers are placed on a waiting list. If confirmed passengers cancel their tickets, waitlist passengers are moved to the front of the queue.

• Emergency Quota

When all the above options are exhausted, people can book train tickets under the emergency quota. It is not based on booking speed (like Tatkal tickets) or on higher fares. Only passengers with verified emergency needs can book tickets under the emergency quota.

Why Was the Emergency Quota Reintroduced?

Earlier in January 2026, the emergency quota was removed from Indian Railways’ booking policies. However, after this decision, Indian Railways conducted a review of public demands and requirements. In line with passenger needs, the emergency quota was restored. It became effective again from 9th February 2026.

The Railway Board announced the decision, citing that removing the emergency quota could pose challenges for passengers. Restoration underscores the flexibility of Indian Railways and the importance of public demand.

Details of Emergency Quota Allocation

You must note that the emergency quota has been reintroduced for premium sleeper trains, such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat. 

Below are details of emergency quota rules for Amrit Bharat sleeper trains and Vande Bharat sleeper trains:

• Amrit Bharat trains

Amrit Bharat sleeper trains that have 7+ sleeper coaches must reserve 24 berths for emergency ticket bookings. The allocation in each coach may vary depending on demand patterns. 

• Vande Bharat Sleeper

First-, second-, and third-class AC coaches on Vande Bharat sleeper trains have emergency quota bookings. The availability of emergency tickets on Vande Bharat sleeper trains, whether on weekends or weekdays, may vary depending on traveller demand.

• First AC – 4 emergency berths
• Second AC – 24 emergency berths
• Third AC – 24 berths on weekdays and 42 berths on weekends

Zonal authorities will also regularly review emergency quota bookings to ensure availability is adjusted to reflect changing demand.

Emergency Quota

Who can apply for emergency quota rail tickets, and how should they apply? Below, we outline the eligibility criteria for passengers seeking emergency ticket booking services on Indian Railways.

Who can apply

Simply put, emergency quota tickets in railways are meant for those in urgent need. The circumstances are individually verified by the officials. Generally, valid reasons for urgent travel include medical emergencies, urgent official duties, and serious family matters, among others.

For emergency quota railway tickets, not only high-ranking officials but also the general public may apply. If supporting documents establish the urgency, berths may be allocated subject to availability.

How to Apply

Emergency rail ticket booking is not an alternative to Tatkal or general ticket booking. Therefore, the booking is not available within the standard booking window or on online platforms.

Emergency quota railway tickets can be booked by submitting supporting documents to the railway officials. Approval is only granted after thorough verification of the passenger’s needs. Confirmation depends on verification, station-level approval, and seat availability.

What This Means for Passengers

For passengers with urgent travel needs, emergency quota bookings can be quite beneficial. Various implications of this policy can be:

• Improved Last-minute Travel Options

Securing urgent bookings in premium sleeper trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat is often tough since seats are full. These trains run on various long-distance routes. With an emergency quota, people with genuine urgency can still have a fallback option.

• Greater Flexibility 

Emergencies such as medical situations or urgent family matters can arise unexpectedly. Availability of emergency quota tickets simply provides the flexibility to urgently travel long distances without compromising on comfort.

• Impact on Ticket Availability 

While the emergency quota is expected to assist those in need, it also means the seats available under the general quota will be slightly reduced. However, the impact on general ticket availability is expected to be minimal for passengers who book in advance. The availability of emergency tickets will also be reviewed regularly and controlled to ensure policy stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply for emergency quota rail tickets?

Passengers in urgent need of travel can apply for emergency quota rail tickets. The cause of urgency is individually verified by the railway authorities to ensure only the needy avail this benefit.

• Can emergency quota rail tickets be booked online?

No. Emergency quota tickets for railways are not available on standard booking platforms or online platforms. To apply, one must submit documents to railway officials.

• Can only high-ranking officials apply for emergency quota rail tickets? 

No. The emergency quota railway service is available to both high-ranking officials and common people. Verifying the ticket request ensures that those in genuine need receive the booking.

• When is an emergency ticket confirmed?

Typically, confirmation is granted closer to the travel date, often a day prior to departure.

• Which trains are covered under the reintroduced emergency quota?

Premium sleeper trains are covered under the reintroduced emergency quota. It includes Vande Bharat sleeper trains and Amrit Bharat sleeper trains.

• Are emergency quota tickets available every day in Vande Bharat?

Yes. Emergency tickets in Vande Bharat are available on both weekdays and weekends. However, ticket allocation may vary depending on passengers’ travel needs. During weekends, the third AC will have 42 emergency berths while on weekdays, it has 24 emergency berths.

• When was the emergency quota restored?

On 9th February 2026, emergency quota bookings were reintroduced. It was removed in January 2026 but restored after public demand review.

• How many berths are reserved in Amrit Bharat trains?

Under the emergency quota, 24 berths are reserved in Amrit Bharat trains. You must note that only trains with 7+ coaches will have emergency seats in Amrit Bharat sleeper trains.

• Does the emergency quota affect general seat availability?

With the introduction of emergency quota seats, the overall number of seats available for general booking will be slightly reduced. However, it may not necessarily impact passengers who book their railway tickets in advance.

• What urgent cases qualify for emergency quota bookings?

Each application for emergency ticket bookings is verified individually. So, it depends on each passenger’s needs. However, common reasons for emergency tickets include medical needs, family matters, and official matters.