Heading Home This Diwali? Here’s How Much You’ll Have To Pay For Excess Luggage On Trains | Auto News
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Indian Railways is redeveloping 1,337 stations, adding weighing machines at major hubs. Passengers carrying luggage beyond the set limit will now face strict penalties
Passengers carrying unbooked luggage beyond the permitted limit will face a fine of six times the booking amount. (AI Generated)
As the festive season approaches with Diwali, Chhath, and Durga Puja, passengers planning to travel by train are advised to take note of Indian Railways’ strict luggage regulations.
Carrying excess weight beyond the prescribed limits can result in heavy penalties, similar to rules followed at airports. With new weighing machines being installed at major stations, compliance is being monitored more strictly than ever.
Indian Railways is redeveloping 1,337 stations across the country, and weighing machines will soon be operational at all major stations. Passengers carrying more than the allowed luggage limit will face penalties. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Ministry of Railways, confirmed that the luggage limits have been set and stricter enforcement will be in place.
Luggage Limits By Class
- AC First Class: Up to 70 kg of luggage, with a 15 kg relaxation. An additional 65 kg can be carried in the parcel van if booked.
- Second AC: 50 kg with a 10 kg relaxation; up to 30 kg additional luggage can be booked in the parcel van.
- Third AC / AC Chair Car: 40 kg plus 10 kg relaxation; 30 kg extra can be booked in the parcel van.
- Sleeper Class: 40 kg plus 10 kg relaxation; up to 70 kg can be carried by booking.
- Second / General Class: 35 kg plus 10 kg relaxation; 60 kg additional luggage can be booked in the parcel van.
Size Restrictions
Railway guidelines specify that personal luggage, including trunks, suitcases, and boxes, should not exceed 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. For AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car passengers, the maximum size allowed is 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm. Larger luggage can only be carried through the brake van, with a minimum charge of Rs 30.
Penalty for Exceeding Limits
Passengers carrying unbooked luggage beyond the permitted limit will face a fine of six times the booking amount. For instance, a passenger travelling 500 km with 40 kg of extra luggage would pay Rs 109 if booked in the luggage van. If not booked, the penalty would be Rs 654.
Passengers are advised to check luggage limits and book additional weight in advance to avoid unnecessary fines during the busy festive travel season.
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