Train luggage rules: If you carry more luggage than this on the train, you will be fined, know here...

Train Luggage Rules: If you travel by train and often carry more luggage than necessary, this news is for you. Just like airlines charge for excess baggage beyond a certain limit, the railways also levy charges for extra luggage. This was confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.

The Railway Minister stated that the railways already have a fixed free luggage allowance and maximum limit based on the coach and class of travel. If a passenger travels with more luggage than this limit, they have to pay an additional fee. In response to a question from MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, the minister said that the railways are not considering implementing strict baggage rules like those at airports. However, charges are already being levied under the existing rules.

This raises the question: what is the luggage limit (Indian Railways baggage limit) for different classes, from Second Class (General Coach) and Sleeper Class to First AC Class?

How much luggage can you carry on a train? (How much luggage can I carry on the train?)
Class    Maximum Limit (in kg)    Free Allowance (in kg)
AC First Class    150    70
First Class / AC Two Tier    100    50
AC 3 Tier / AC Chair Car    40    40
Sleeper Class    80    40
General (Second Class)    70    35
According to the Railway Minister, the free allowance and maximum limit for each class are as follows:

AC First Class:
Free Allowance: 70 kg
Maximum Limit: 150 kg

First Class/AC 2 Tier:
Free Allowance: 50 kg
Maximum Limit: 100 kg

AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car:
Free Allowance: 40 kg
Maximum Limit: 40 kg

Sleeper Class:
Free Allowance: 40 kg
Maximum Limit: 80 kg

Second Class:
Free Allowance: 35 kg
Maximum Limit: 70 kg

It is important to note that the maximum limit includes the free allowance.

What is the charge for excess baggage?
If a passenger carries luggage exceeding the free allowance but within the maximum limit, they can keep it in the coach by paying 1.5 times the luggage rate. This rule is quite similar to the excess baggage charges on flights.

What is included in personal luggage?
According to the railways, trolley bags, suitcases, and boxes up to a size of 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm are considered personal luggage and can be carried in the coach.

What if the luggage is larger than the specified size?
If the trolley bag or suitcase is larger than the specified size, it must be booked in the brake van (SLR) or parcel van. Such luggage is not allowed in the passenger coach. Also, carrying commercial goods as personal luggage is prohibited. In short, while train travel is certainly cheaper than flying, carelessness regarding luggage can now prove costly. It's wise to check the luggage limit for your class of travel before your journey.

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