Introduction
The Indian Railway Quota refers to a system used by Indian Railways to allocate a certain number of seats or berths in train compartments to different categories of passengers. These categories include various groups such as senior citizens, women traveling alone, members of the armed forces, and more. Each category has its own reservation quota, and this system ensures that a diverse range of travellers have access to train reservations that cater to their specific needs and circumstances.
Indian Railway Quota List
Understanding reservation quotas is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free train journey. Let's explore the different categories of reservation quotas, their detailed descriptions make your travel experience seamless.
SL. No. | Quota Codes | Quota Description |
---|---|---|
1 | GN | General Quota |
2 | LD | Ladies Quota |
3 | HO | Head Quarters/High Official Quota |
4 | DF | Defence Quota |
5 | PH | Parliament House Quota |
6 | FT | Foreign Tourist Quota |
7 | DP | Duty Pass Quota |
8 | TQ | Tatkal Quota |
9 | PT | Premium Tatkal Quota |
10 | SS | Female (above 45 Years)/Senior Citizen/Travelling Alone |
11 | HP | Physically Handicapped Quota |
12 | RE | Railway Employee Staff on Duty for the Train |
13 | GNRS | General Quota Road Side |
14 | OS | Out Station |
15 | PQ | Pooled Quota |
16 | RC(RAC) | Reservation Against Cancellation |
17 | RS | Road Side |
18 | YU | Yuva |
19 | LB | Lower Berth |
Different categories of reservation quotas:
SL. No. | Quota name | Purpose |
---|---|---|
1 | General | General Public |
2 | Tatkal | General Public |
3 | Premium Tatkal | General Public |
4 | Parliament House | Hon’ble Members of Parliament (Sitting and Former) |
5 | Ladies | Female passenger traveling alone or in a group of females |
6 | Senior Citizen | Combined quota for senior citizens, females above 45 years, and pregnant women |
7 | Foreign Tourist | Foreigners |
8 | Defence | Defence Personnel |
9 | Roadside | General Public |
10 | Pooled | General Public |
11 | Cancer Patient | Cancer Patients |
12 | RAC(Reservation Against Cancellation) | General Public |
13 | Physically Handicapped | Divyangjan |
14 | Duty Pass | Serving/retired Railway employees traveling on Duty/Privilege/Post-retirement complimentary passes etc. in specified trains |
15 | Railway Employees | Designated Railway employees traveling on Duty in trains |
16 | Yuva | Unemployed persons between the age of 15 & 45 |
17 | Emergency | Urgent travel requirement of High Official Requisition (HOR) holders, Members of Parliament, and general public |
Detailed Description of Each Quota
General Quota
The General Quota is the most common and widely used reservation category. It is available for the general public and can be booked by anyone.
Eligibility : The General Quota is open to all passengers without any specific eligibility criteria.
Allocation Process Seats in the General Quota are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tatkal Quota
The Tatkal Quota is designed for passengers who need to make last-minute bookings. It comes with specific booking timings and higher fares.
Features: Tatkal tickets can be booked for most trains 24 hours before the journey.
Booking: Timing Tatkal bookings open at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
Ladies Quota
The Ladies Quota is reserved exclusively for women passengers traveling alone or with children. It offers a safe and comfortable journey.
Purpose: The Ladies Quota aims to provide safety and comfort to women passengers.
Availability: A limited number of seats are reserved for this quota in every train.
Senior Citizen Quota
The Senior Citizen Quota provides benefits to elderly passengers above a certain age. It includes discounts and priority in booking.
Age Criteria: Passengers above the age of 60 for men and 58 for women qualify for this quota.
Booking Benefits: Senior citizens get a 40% discount on ticket fares and priority in reservation.
Foreign Tourist Quota
The Foreign Tourist Quota is for tourists visiting India. It ensures that foreign travellers have access to train reservations.
Who Can Avail? Foreign tourists holding a valid visa are eligible for this quota.
Booking Process: Foreign tourists can book tickets at International Tourist Bureaus.
Defence Quota
Reserved for members of the armed forces, the Defence Quota has specific documentation requirements and serves as a priority category.
Reserved for Armed Forces: This quota is reserved for armed forces personnel and their families.
Documentation: Valid military ID and authorisation are required for booking.
Parliament House Quota
This quota is limited and allocated for government officials traveling on parliamentary duties. It requires proper verification.
Limited Availability: This quota is limited and allocated for official government purposes.
Verification: Travellers must provide relevant documents to avail of this quota.
Handicapped Quota
The Handicapped Quota ensures accessibility for passengers with disabilities. It offers features to accommodate their needs.
Accessibility Features: Trains equipped with facilities for passengers with disabilities.
Required Documentation: Passengers must produce a disability certificate.
Yuva Quota
The Yuva Quota is for young passengers between certain age groups. It provides discounted fares.
Age Group: The Yuva Quota is for passengers between the ages of 15 and 45.
Booking Procedure: Seats can be booked at concessional fares under this quota.
Premium Tatkal Quota
Similar to Tatkal, the Premium Tatkal Quota offers last-minute bookings but at a higher price.
Pricing: Premium Tatkal tickets are priced higher than regular Tatkal tickets.
Booking Rules: Booking for Premium Tatkal opens 24 hours before the journey.
FAQs
Q. How can I book a ticket under the Ladies Quota?
A.To book a ticket under the Ladies Quota, select the "Ladies Quota" option while booking online or specify it at the railway station ticket counter.
Q.Are there any discounts for senior citizens in the Senior Citizen Quota?
A. No, as of now senior citizens there is no discount available.
Q.What documents are required for booking a ticket under the Defence Quota?
A. Valid military ID and authorisation documents are required to book a ticket under the Defence Quota.
Q.Can I transfer my Yuva Quota ticket to another person?
A. No, Yuva Quota tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the passenger who booked them.
Q.Are Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Quotas the same?
A. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Quotas both offer last-minute bookings, but Premium Tatkal tickets are priced higher.