Indian Railways Emergency Quota for Cancer Patients: How to Get a Confirmed Train Ticket, Eligibility, Documents & Rules

In the case of medical emergencies, getting a confirmed train ticket is a harsh challenge in the case of patients who are in dire need of getting a quick remedy. Hence, Indian Railways has brought a special facility known as Emergency Quota (EQ) in order to help those with such conditions to obtain confirmed reserved train tickets for emergency travel.

According to the Ministry of Railways, patients suffering from cancer and their attendants are able to avail of this facility through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS), provided that they meet specified eligibility criteria and verification requirements. So, let us find out everything about the Emergency Quota introduced by the Indian Railways for cancer patients, including all the information on eligibility, application procedure, required documentation as well as berth allocation.

What does the Emergency Quota in Indian Railways refer to?

Indian Railways provides the Emergency Quota (EQ) to enable passengers traveling in emergency situations to get accommodation under emergency situations.

The EQ also provides for passengers like Ministers or members of Parliament under High Official Requisition (HOR) and also takes into account cancer patients who need to travel immediately for treatment immediately.

This is done to ensure that patients do not suffer delays in reaching hospitals because of the lack of a confirmed train ticket.

Emergency Quota System for Cancer Patients

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that cancer patients have immediate access to the Emergency Quota through the online Passenger Reservation System.

Through this facility, cancer patients and their attendants are able to get their confirmed tickets against the identified trains for emergency medical travel.

This information was shared by the Railway Minister in the Rajya Sabha while answering the questions regarding the priority reservation at the time of medical emergency.

Who is Eligible for Emergency Quota?

The Emergency Quota service can be availed by,

Patients suffering from cancer who are travelling for treatment.
One or more attendants accompanying the cancer patient, as per the applicable rules.
Patients travelling on eligible concessional railway tickets.

The requests are considered only after verification of medical documents and availability of berths.

How to Apply for an Emergency Quota Ticket?

Cancer patients in urgent need of train travel can follow these procedures.

Step 1: Go to the Nearest PRS booking Office

Visit a computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) booking counter or the respective Emergency Quota authority.

Step 2: Submit Medical Documents

Present all necessary medical papers from a recognized government hospital or medical institution.

Step 3: Verification

The railway authority checks the authenticity of the documents and evaluates the emergency of the travel.

Step 4: Ticket Confirmation

If a seat is available under the Emergency Quota and compliant with the requirements, the reservation is confirmed.

Documents Required

In order to get the benefits of the Emergency Quota, the applicant must provide the following documentation,

A concession certificate issued by the chief officer at a government approved hospital or institute.
Medical records of the patient.
Required proof of identity.
For AIDS patients, the concession certificate is to be issued by the nearest Anti-Retroviral Therapy Center.

Berths Under Emergency Quota Reserved for Cancer Patients

Indian Railways has allocated 12 berths under the Emergency Quota in eligible trains for the benefit of cancer patients and their attendants.

They are,

First Class 2 (Reserved Berths)
AC 2-Tier 2 (Reserved Berths)
AC 3-Tier 2 (Reserved Berths)
AC Chair Car 2 (Reserved Berths)
Sleeper Class 4 (Reserved Berths)
Total 12

The reservation is also subject to availability and confirmation.

Is it Possible to Find this Facility on All types of Trains?

As stated by the Ministry of Railways, the special quota meant for patients suffering from cancer has been made available on specific trains. The availability of this quota is dependent on a few factors,

The train which is concerned
The class in which the patients are travelling
The availability of seats under the Emergency Quota
Verification of medical documents has been completed

Other passengers Who Qualify for Emergency Quota

Apart from patients suffering from cancer, other categories of people can avail of the Emergency Quota as well. These include those holding the status of High Official Such as,