If you often carry heavy suitcases, sacks, and large luggage while traveling by train, this news will come as a shock. Indian Railways is now going to tighten its baggage regulations, similar to those on airplanes. Not only will you have to pay extra for exceeding the set weight limit, but you’ll also face a hefty fine for violating the rules.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently clarified in response to a question in the Lok Sabha that the Railways is now preparing to strictly enforce the “free allowance” and “maximum limit” rules for passenger luggage. This means that you should check your bag’s weight before arriving at the station, or you could face a significant blow to your wallet.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav’s Revelation in the Lok Sabha
In the lower house of Parliament, MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy raised an important question: Is the Railways also going to implement stricter rules for passenger luggage, like airports? In a written response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the Railways already has a fixed luggage limit per coach.
He clarified that these rules will now be enforced even more strictly at the ground level to reduce overcrowding and avoid inconvenience to other passengers. The government’s goal is to ensure comfortable travel for passengers, making it necessary to regulate luggage within coaches.
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How much weight is free in which class
According to railway rules, a certain free luggage limit has been set for each class. If you are traveling in second class (General/Reserved), you can carry up to 35 kg of luggage without any extra charge, although you can carry a maximum of 70 kg for a fee. For sleeper class passengers, the free limit is 40 kg, and they can carry a maximum of 80 kg by paying a fee.
In AC coaches, passengers traveling in AC 3-Tier and Chair Car are allowed up to 40 kg of luggage free of charge, which is the maximum limit. Passengers traveling in AC 2-Tier are slightly more comfortable, allowing 50 kg of free luggage and a maximum of 100 kg (chargeable). The most convenient option is available to AC First Class passengers, who can carry 70 kg of luggage free of charge and a maximum of 150 kg for a hefty fee.
Violation of the rules will result in a 1.5-fold fine
The Railways will also monitor not only the weight, but also the size of your luggage. According to the Railway Minister, any trunk, suitcase, or box you carry as personal belongings must not exceed 100 cm in length, 60 cm in width, and 25 cm in height. If the size of your box exceeds any of these criteria, you will not be allowed to carry it with you in the coach. You will need to send such large luggage in a separate booking in a ‘brake van’ or ‘parcel van’.
It’s worth noting that if you are caught carrying more than the prescribed free luggage limit in a coach, you will be fined 1.5 times the normal luggage rate. This rule has been introduced to prevent congestion in the aisles and under the seats due to heavy luggage.
Ban on Carrying Commercial Luggage
The Railway Minister has issued another important clarification: only personal luggage can be carried in the passenger compartment. It is often seen that many people carry large quantities of commercial goods or merchandise with them in the coach for business purposes. Under the new rules, merchandise items (business items) will no longer be permitted as personal luggage in the coach. Such items must be booked as parcels.
Failure to follow these rules will not only result in a fine, but the Railway Protection Force (RPF) may also confiscate your luggage. Therefore, whenever planning your future travel, be sure to carefully consider your luggage inventory and weight. These rules will be fully implemented at railway stations across the country by 2026, making Indian Railways travel more streamlined and convenient.
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