Indian Railways Luggage Policy: Understanding Free Allowance and Excess Baggage Charges for Train Travel

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that train passengers must pay additional charges for luggage exceeding the free allowance limits.

The statement came in response to questions from MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, who inquired about implementing baggage regulations for train passengers similar to those at airports.

"At present, class-wise maximum limit has been prescribed for carriage of luggage by the passenger along with him/her inside the compartments," Vaishnaw explained in his written reply, providing details of class-specific allowances.

According to the information provided, Second Class passengers may carry 35 kg of luggage free of cost, with a maximum limit of 70 kg permitted on a chargeable basis. Sleeper Class passengers have a free allowance of 40 kg, with a maximum permissible limit of 80 kg.

For AC 3 Tier and Chair Car travelers, both the free allowance and maximum limit are set at 40 kg.

First Class and AC 2 Tier passengers can carry 50 kg free of cost, with a maximum limit of 100 kg. AC First Class passengers receive the highest allowance at 70 kg free, with up to 150 kg permitted on a chargeable basis.

Vaishnaw emphasized that "The maximum limit includes free allowance."

He further explained, "Passengers are allowed to book and carry excess luggage beyond free allowance with him/her in the compartment up to the maximum limit as per class as tabulated above on payment of charges at 1.5 times of luggage rate."

The minister specified size limitations as well, stating that trunks, suitcases, and boxes measuring up to 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm (length x breadth x height) are permitted in passenger compartments as personal luggage.

"If the trunks, suitcases and boxes whose outside measurement exceeds any one of the dimensions, such articles are required to be booked and carried in the brakevan (SLRs)/parcel vans and not in the passengers' compartments," Vaishnaw clarified.

The Railway Minister also stated that merchandised items are prohibited from being booked or carried in compartments as personal luggage.

He reiterated that excess luggage beyond prescribed limits must be carried in the brake van (SLRs) of trains, subject to the maximum limits established for luggage in brake vans.