New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified that passengers travelling by Indian Railways are required to pay charges for luggage exceeding the prescribed free allowance limits. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Vaishnaw responded to queries by MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy about whether railways would adopt airport-style baggage regulations.
According to the minister, each class has a specific free luggage allowance along with a maximum limit that can be carried on payment of charges. For Second Class passengers, the free allowance is 35 kg, with a maximum limit of 70 kg. Sleeper Class passengers can carry 40 kg free and up to 80 kg for a fee. AC 3 Tier and Chair Car passengers have a 40 kg limit, which is also the maximum allowed. First Class and AC 2 Tier passengers may carry 50 kg free and up to 100 kg if paying extra. AC First Class passengers can take 70 kg free and up to 150 kg with charges.
Passengers exceeding the free allowance are required to pay at 1.5 times the standard luggage rate. Trunks, suitcases, and boxes measuring up to 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm are allowed in passenger compartments, while larger items must be booked in brake vans or parcel vans. Merchandised goods cannot be carried as personal luggage in compartments.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the maximum limit includes the free allowance and that excess luggage can be booked in brake vans, following prescribed norms. These measures aim to ensure safety, manage space efficiently, and maintain orderly carriage of passenger belongings across all trains.
This announcement comes amid growing passenger concerns about luggage management on busy routes, and the ministry’s step seeks to bring clarity and standardization across train classes. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
