Railway passengers have received a major relief as Indian Railways has made a historic decision to implement an emergency quota in Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat sleeper trains. The Railway Board issued an order on February 9, 2026, providing instructions to all zonal railways, which will make it easier for passengers who need to travel urgently to get a seat or berth.
Until now, these trains had only reserved quotas for women, disabled, senior citizens, and duty pass holders. However, a separate emergency quota has now been created for passengers in special circumstances, which can be adjusted as needed. This quota will only be available to specific individuals or their recommendations. In Amrit Bharat trains with seven or more sleeper coaches, 24 berths have been reserved for the emergency quota, which will be particularly useful for passengers undertaking unexpected travel.
A quota has been fixed according to class in Vande Bharat sleeper trains; 4 berths on weekdays and 6 berths on weekends in First AC, 20 berths on weekdays and 30 berths on weekends in Second AC, and 24 berths on weekdays and 42 berths on weekends in Third AC. This quota will apply from the advance reservation period or the date booking starts, whichever is earlier.
This decision will make it easier for passengers with special needs to get tickets, and zonal railways will be able to adjust the quota according to seat availability and demand, as clarified by the Railway Board. This will greatly facilitate those needing immediate tickets for long-distance travel and make the railway service more citizen-centric.