Pay extra charge for extra luggage: Railways’ new rules

CHENNAI: The Indian Railways has introduced new luggage rules and tariff on Friday. According to new rules, passengers will be charged for carrying extra bags in trains.

Permissible limit for carrying luggage for free has been fixed for each. “If found to be carrying more, a penalty amounting to 6 times the charge will be imposed,” the Railways said.

As per the new rules, passenger can carry heavy baggage ranging from 35 kg to 70 kg depending on the class they are travelling in. Passengers should book their extra luggage at the parcel office 30 mins before the departure or book luggage online.

अगर सामान होगा ज्यादा, तो सफर का आनंद होगा आधा!

अधिक सामान ले कर रेल यात्रा ना करें। सामान अधिक होने पर पार्सल कार्यालय जा कर लगेज बुक कराएं। pic.twitter.com/gUuishbqr5

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) May 29, 2022

In case of AC first class, passengers can carry up to 70 kgs for free, and for AC 2-Tier, the limit is 50 kgs. In AC 3-Tier sleeper, AC chair car and the sleeper class, carrying baggage up to 40 kilos is allowed. For second class, the luggage limit is up to 25 kgs. The minimum charge for excess baggage has been fixed at Rs 30.

The Railways stated that the owner of the luggage should be present at the luggage office of the booking station at least 30 minutes before the departure time. Passengers can also book their luggage in advance while booking the tickets.

“Luggage which is not securely packed will not be accepted for booking and carriage unless the sender or his authorised agent executes a forwarding note and records therein such defects or improper packing," said a notification.

The Railways Ministry has urged passengers to travel light unless it is absolutely necessary. In a recent tweet, the ministry said, “If the luggage is more, then the enjoyment of the journey will be half! Do not travel by train carrying more luggage. In case of excess baggage, go to the parcel office and book the luggage."

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