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The Ministry of Railways has introduced new guidelines for submitting emergency quota (EQ) requests to help passengers with urgent travel plans. These changes aim to improve train operations and reduce last-minute booking issues, according to a recent circular issued on Tuesday.
Emergency quota is a special reservation system to help passengers with urgent travel needs. Initially, it was created for high-ranking officials such as Members of Parliament and other government officers who need quick bookings even if the train is full.
If any seats remain after official bookings, EQ is also given to others based on important reasons like government duties, family emergencies, medical needs, or job interviews. This system ensures that urgent travel is possible even when normal tickets are sold out.
Under the updated rule, all EQ requests must be submitted one day before the travel date. No requests will be accepted on the day of the train’s departure.
For trains leaving between midnight and 2 PM, EQ requests must reach the EQ cell by 12 noon the previous day.
For trains leaving between 2:01 PM and 11:59 PM, requests should be submitted by 4 PM the previous day.
These timings apply to all trains across India and are designed to help Indian Railways manage reservations more efficiently.
Passengers traveling on Sundays or public holidays must submit their EQ requests on the previous working day during office hours. This prevents delays and helps the railway system prepare accommodation in advance.
The reservation chart will be prepared eight hours before train departure, or at 9 PM the previous day for trains before 2 PM.
Authorised agents will face booking restrictions during certain time slots to give priority to individual passengers.
Tatkal ticket bookings from July 15 will require OTP verification at PRS counters and agent outlets.
From July 1, only passengers with Aadhaar-verified accounts can book Tatkal tickets via IRCTC’s website or app.
These new emergency quota and booking rules by Indian Railways are expected to improve travel experience by reducing last-minute disruptions. Passengers with demat accounts investing in railway stocks may find this operational efficiency beneficial for the sector's growth.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Jul 25, 2025, 1:24 PM IST
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