Indian Railway: Are you also often worried about train tickets at the last moment? Indian Railways has already made these rules easier. Railways has made significant changes in the rules related to Emergency Kota (EQ) tickets. The new rules will make it easier for needy passengers to get seats at the time of emergency.
Emergency quota
According to the new instructions of the Ministry of Railways, it will be mandatory to apply in the scheduled timeline one day before the journey to get tickets in EQ quota. As before, now you will not be able to apply for EQ on the day of leaving the train. If the train departs between 12 noon and 2 pm, then the request of EQ should be found by the sale of EQ from 12 noon. If the departure time of the train is between 2:01 pm to 11:59 pm, then EQ application will have to be submitted from the last day till 4 pm. Now the expectation of EQ seat has reduced at the last minute. Also, if the train is on Sunday or government holiday, then the application will have to be submitted a day in Working Day.
Who gets emergency quota?
EQ Kota is mainly reserved for government officials, MPs and high official request holders. However, if the seat request is not requested by them, then those applying for medical emergency, job interviews or family reasons are given priority. The seat allotment here is based on the need.
Earlier these important changes have taken place in July
1. Chart will now be made first
Now the reservation chart of trains will be prepared 8 hours before the train runs. For example, if your train leaves before 2 pm, then its chart will be made only at 9 pm. This will quickly know the waiting list whether they get the seat or not.
2. Ticket booking of agents limited
The Railways has implemented the rule from 1 July 2025 that in some fixed period, the register agents will not be able to book tickets. This will give more opportunities to common passengers and will reduce the chances of blocking.
3. OTP mandatory in Tatkal ticket booking now
OTP verification has been made mandatory for booking of Tatkal tickets through computerized counter or agent from 15 July 2025. This will reduce forgery.
4. Aadhaar required to book tickets from IRCTC
Now Aadhaar authentication will be necessary to book Tatkal tickets from IRCTC website or app. This rule has come into force from 1 July 2025. Booking tickets without Aadhaar verification will not be easy.