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If you carry more luggage than necessary while traveling by train, then be alert now. Indian Railways is preparing to strictly enforce luggage rules like airports. Passengers may have to pay additional charges for excess luggage beyond the prescribed limit.
New Delhi. If you travel by train and often carry more luggage than required, then this news is very important for you. Indian Railways is now preparing to strictly enforce the luggage rules. In the future, even during train journey, like at the airport, passengers may have to pay additional charges for carrying more luggage than the prescribed limit. Railways says that this rule will be implemented keeping in mind both the convenience and safety of the passengers.
Railway Minister gave information in Lok Sabha
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told in the Lok Sabha that there is already a fixed free limit of carrying luggage for every passenger traveling in the train. This limit has been fixed according to different classes. If a passenger travels with more luggage than this limit, additional charges will be levied. The minister clarified that the rules are not new, but now preparations are being made to implement them effectively.
How much luggage can be taken for free in which class?
According to railway rules, second class passengers are allowed to carry up to 35 kg of luggage free of charge. This limit has been fixed at 40 kg in sleeper class and AC three tier or chair car. Whereas AC two tier and first class passengers are allowed to carry luggage up to 50 kg. The maximum facility is available to the passengers of AC first class, where up to 70 kg of luggage can be carried without any charge. If the weight exceeds the prescribed limit, it will be mandatory to pay additional fee.
Strictness on big trunks and suitcases also
The Railway Minister also said that trunks, boxes or suitcases larger than the prescribed size will not be allowed to be carried in passenger coaches. Passengers will have to book such heavy or big luggage in brake van or parcel van. Its purpose is to reduce crowding and chaos inside the coach, so that other passengers do not face problems and the journey becomes more comfortable.
The biggest question: How will the weight be checked?
Although the rules are fixed, the biggest question is how the system will be made to check the weight of the luggage at the station. Till now there is no concrete system for weighing luggage at most of the stations. Railways says that necessary arrangements will be made for this in the coming time. Until this system is fully implemented, it is not clear when its impact will be visible on passengers. But it is certain that in future it will be necessary to be cautious about luggage while traveling by train.
