Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity in the Railway Ministry, told our associate News18 that passengers will be asked to check their luggage through electronic weighing machines at railway stations like airports and a penalty will be imposed on those carrying more luggage than the prescribed limit.
If you often travel by train, then you will be well aware of this scene – people arriving at the railway station with huge suitcases, bags stuffed under the train seats and bags, suitcases and luggage of passengers in every corner. Till now the railways have shown great generosity in this matter, they never kept a record of every kilo like the airlines. But sir, now the game is going to change! Railways is now preparing to fix a limit on carrying luggage in trains just like airports and flights.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity in the Railway Ministry, told our associate News18 that passengers will be asked to check their luggage through electronic weighing machines at railway stations like at airports and a penalty will be imposed on those carrying more luggage than the prescribed limit.
According to a report by Business Today, the first phase of this scheme will include stations like Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Kanpur and Aligarh Junction. If this system works well, it will gradually be implemented in other cities as well.
So, what are these new rules? How much luggage can you carry? And how much fine can you have to pay if your bag weighs more? In this video today, we will know the answers to all these important questions.
What will be the limit on carrying luggage?
Technically, Indian Railways already has luggage rules in place, but most passengers rarely see them enforced. Now, that is about to change, and just like at the airport, the weight of your luggage will depend on the class you are travelling in. Let’s take a look at the luggage limits for different classes.
First AC : Passengers can carry up to 70 kg of luggage, plus a 15 kg allowance. If you need more luggage than this, you can book 65 kg of additional luggage in the parcel van.
Second AC : The luggage limit is 50 kg with an additional 10 kg allowance. For more luggage, you can book up to 30 kg in a parcel van.
Third AC/AC Chair Car : Passengers are allowed to carry 40 kg of weight in it, with a 10 kg allowance. Apart from this, you can book another 30 kg in the parcel van.
Sleeper Class : Free luggage limit is 40 kg, plus a 10 kg allowance. With booking, you can carry up to 70 kg of luggage in the parcel van.
Second Class/General Class : 35 kg of luggage is allowed, with a 10 kg exemption. If needed, you can book 60 kg extra luggage in the parcel van.
What will be the bag size?
The size of bags or luggage allowed on the train is also limited. Trunks, suitcases and boxes should not exceed 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm in size. For AC 3-tier and AC chair car passengers, the limit is lower, at 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm. Luggage larger than this must be carried in a brake van, which has a minimum charge of Rs 30.
Children between 5 and 12 years of age also get luggage allowance, but only half. That means they cannot carry full luggage like adults. And yes, the limit cannot exceed 50 kg.
If oversized or obstructing bags block the boarding area, they may be fined.
Railways clarified in a statement, “Rules related to luggage already exist. Officials have been instructed to ensure their proper compliance, and standard instructions are also in place.”
What happens if you exceed the luggage limit?
The story gets interesting once the free allowance ends, now your extra luggage will be charged at 1.5 times the rate of normal booking. You will have to pay at least 30 rupees, and the count will start from a distance of 50 km and a weight of 10 kg.
Officials say that these rules are necessary to reduce crowding, ensure comfortable travel and safety of passengers, especially during holidays and festivals when train coaches are packed with passengers.
Well, scooters, bicycles or such heavy luggage are not included in the free list. These will have to be booked separately. Therefore, it is better to check the limit beforehand and book the extra luggage, otherwise you may have to face many problems at the last moment.
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