New Delhi Railways has introduced strict new Emergency Quota rules, requiring passengers to submit applications a day before travel to ensure fair and efficient ticket allocation. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The revised policy mandates specific deadlines for requests. For trains departing between midnight and 2:00 PM, applications must be submitted by noon the previous day. For departures after 2:00 PM, the cutoff is 4:00 PM the day before.

New Delhi Railways Implements Major Emergency Quota Policy Changes
Source, photo: urbanacres.in

If the journey falls on a Sunday or public holiday, the request must be filed on the last working day prior. These structured timelines aim to eliminate last-minute approvals and prevent misuse of emergency tickets, prioritizing genuine travelers.

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New Delhi Railways Expands Emergency Quota Rules for Fair Access

Emergency Quota seats remain primarily reserved for senior officials, Members of Parliament, and those carrying high-level recommendations. Any remaining seats are allocated to passengers with medical emergencies, job interviews, or urgent family needs. This system ensures a balance between official requirements and humanitarian considerations.

The allocation process emphasizes fairness and transparency, reducing abuse of the quota system. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead, as these new timelines leave no room for last-minute bookings under EQ.

New Delhi Railways Strengthens Digital Security and Ticketing Policies

Alongside EQ reforms, other major changes took effect in July 2025. Reservation charts will now be prepared eight hours before departure, providing earlier clarity for passengers on waiting lists. This helps improve travel planning and reduces uncertainty.

Additionally, Indian Railways has tightened digital verification for Tatkal bookings. Since July 15, passengers must complete OTP verification for bookings at counters or through agents. Starting July 1, Aadhaar authentication became mandatory for Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app.

These measures are critical to combating fraud and black marketing, ensuring that last-minute seats reach genuine travelers. Stricter booking rules for agents further discourage hoarding and speculative ticket sales.

Collectively, these updates reflect a strong focus on efficiency, fairness, and digital integrity. While the stricter EQ application process requires advance planning, the long-term benefits include a transparent system that serves millions of commuters more reliably.

Source, photo: urbanacres.in

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