When it comes to train travel in India, booking tickets online or offline is a familiar process. Indian Railways offers different quotas for ticket bookings, allowing passengers to book tickets based on their eligibility.
Among these quotas, there is a special one known as the HO Quota, which holds a unique feature – it ensures that even waiting list tickets can be confirmed. Today, we delve into the details of this magical quota.
Understanding the HO Quota:
The term HO Quota stands for Head Quarters or High Official Quota. Unlike other quotas, it is not used during the ticket booking process. Initially, tickets must be purchased under the general class.
If a confirmed seat is obtained, there is no issue. However, if a ticket is on the waiting list, contacting the headquarters becomes necessary to confirm the ticket and assign a seat.
Beneficiaries of the HO Quota:
According to railway officials, the HO Quota primarily serves VIP individuals and those traveling in emergencies. This includes MPs, MLAs, senior officials, railway personnel, and officers from the armed forces.
Under specific circumstances, ordinary individuals can also avail themselves of this quota if their application is approved, leading to a confirmed seat allocation.
Confirmation of Tickets:
For those applying under the HO Quota, their waiting list tickets are confirmed a day before the final chart preparation.
The Railways allocates a limited number of seats for this quota on every train, although the availability may vary based on the frequency of VIP movements along specific routes.
How Common People Can Benefit:
To take advantage of the HO Quota, common people must visit the Railway Reservation Center one day prior to the date of travel. It is crucial to demonstrate that immediate travel is necessary due to an emergency.
Supporting documents must be provided to the Chief Reservation Officer to substantiate the claim. If they are satisfied, a form will be provided for filling out.
Certification and Approval Process:
After filling out the form, it must be certified by a gazetted officer. Subsequently, the form needs to be submitted at the reservation center, which will then send it to the zonal office of the railway.
If the form is approved at the zonal office, the person’s seat will be confirmed under the HO Quota.
The HO Quota in Indian Railways serves as a valuable solution for passengers requiring immediate travel, ensuring that waiting list tickets can be transformed into confirmed seats.
