Indian Railways emulates airlines, to charge money for extra baggage; check rate list

New Delhi: Seemingly emulating airlines, Indian Railways has decided to charge money for extra baggage.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that passengers are required to pay fees for carrying luggage beyond the prescribed limit.

Replying to a question raised by MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy on whether the Railways plans to enforce baggage rules for train यात्रियों similar to airport practices, the Minister clarified that specific limits are already in place.

Key rules on luggage carriage:

1. Class-wise maximum limits have been prescribed for luggage that passengers can carry with them inside train compartments.

2. Passengers travelling in Second Class are permitted to carry up to 35 kg of luggage free of charge, with a maximum limit of 70 kg on a chargeable basis.

3. For Sleeper Class passengers, the free luggage allowance is 40 kg, while the maximum permissible limit is 80 kg.

4. Passengers in AC 3 Tier or Chair Car are allowed a free luggage allowance of 40 kg, which is also the maximum limit permitted.

5. If luggage exceeds any one of the prescribed dimensions, it must be booked and transported in the brake van (SLRs) or parcel vans, and not carried inside passenger compartments.

6. Commercial or merchandised items are not permitted to be booked or carried in passenger compartments as personal luggage.