If you travel by train and often carry more luggage than required, then this news is very important for you. Now Railways has made it clear that passengers will have to pay extra charges if they carry more luggage than the prescribed limit during train journey. This means that now the strictness regarding baggage rules is going to increase in rail travel also, just like it happens in air travel.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared this important information in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. An MP had asked whether the Railways was also going to impose a limit on the luggage of passengers like the airport. On this, the Railway Minister said that free baggage allowance is already fixed for the passengers as per the class and for carrying more luggage than that, a charge has to be paid.
Baggage limit is fixed according to class
According to railway rules, every passenger is allowed to carry free luggage up to a certain weight depending on his travel class. Apart from this, a maximum limit is also fixed within which carrying goods can be allowed by paying a fee. Carrying more luggage than this will be considered against the rules.
Rules for second class and sleeper passengers
Passengers traveling in second class in the train are allowed to carry luggage up to 35 kg for free. If a passenger carries more luggage than this, he can carry a maximum of 70 kg, but for this he will have to pay a fixed fee. Whereas the free allowance for sleeper class passengers is slightly more. They can carry luggage up to 40 kg without any extra charges. If needed, luggage up to 80 kg is allowed to be carried, but additional charges will have to be paid for this also.
More strictness in AC and chair car
If you travel by AC 3 tier or chair car, the rules are even stricter here. In these classes, passengers are allowed to carry only 40 kg of luggage and this is also their maximum limit. That is, carrying luggage weighing more than this in AC coach will not be accepted under the rules.
Why was this rule necessary?
Railways says that excess luggage not only hinders the convenience of passengers but also creates problems in terms of safety and cleanliness. Heavy luggage makes movement in the coach difficult and also increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, now Railways is emphasizing on strict implementation of baggage rules.
Important advice for travelers
If you are planning to travel by train, then first check whether the weight of your luggage is within the prescribed limit or not. In case of excess luggage, either book in advance or be prepared to pay additional charges. A little caution can save you from trouble during travel.
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