Carrying unregistered excess luggage on train journey will attract 6 times the fine !

Along with the weight of the luggage, the size of the bag will also be factor for the charge

New Delhi – The Railway Ministry has taken an important decision regarding luggage. Passengers will now have to pay attention to the weight as well as the size of their bag or box (‘carton’). If the bag is lightweight; but of a large size, the passenger will have to ‘book’ such luggage along with the travel ticket. If passengers do not do so, they may have to pay six times the baggage fee, as well as additional fines.

Electronic weighing machines have been installed at entry and exit gates at all railway stations in the country. At present, this new rule has also been implemented at some major stations in Uttar Pradesh.

Why did Indian Railways take the decision ?

Saurabh Kataria, senior divisional commercial manager of Bhopal railway division,  said many passengers carry excess luggage. This causes inconvenience to other passengers travelling with them. This rule has been made to take strict action against such people.

How many bags will passengers be able to carry with them?

Passengers can carry trunks, suitcases or boxes measuring 100  cm x 60  cm x 25 cm (length x width x height)  in their own compartments. If the luggage is larger in any one of these dimensions (length or width or height), then such luggage cannot be carried by the passengers in the coach. Instead, it will be registered with and carried in a ‘brake van’.

The maximum size of the suitcase allowed in ‘AC 3 Tier’ and ‘AC Chair Car’ coaches will be 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm.

Luggage can be booked at least 30 minutes in advance !

If passengers reserve only a seat in the passenger compartment while booking a travel ticket and later on have to travel with additional luggage; then at least 30 minutes before the departure of the train, the additional luggage will have to be deposited and booked in the luggage office of the station.

Passengers can also reserve their luggage in advance along with their travel tickets. If the luggage weighs more than 100 kg or its external dimension is more than 1 meter x 1 meter x 0.7 meter, then only additional charges will be levied on heavy goods.