TNI Bureau: The Ministry of Railways has reiterated that train passengers must pay charges for carrying luggage beyond the prescribed free allowance, reaffirming the existing baggage rules followed by Indian Railways.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that Indian Railways follows class-wise baggage regulations, broadly similar to those followed by airlines. These rules clearly define the free luggage allowance, the maximum permissible weight, and the charges applicable for excess baggage.

As per the rules, Second Class passengers are allowed to carry up to 35 kg of luggage free of cost and a maximum of 70 kg on payment of charges. Sleeper Class passengers can carry 40 kg free, with an upper limit of 80 kg. Passengers travelling in AC 3 Tier and Chair Car are permitted to carry up to 40 kg, which is both the free allowance and the maximum limit.

First Class and AC 2 Tier passengers are allowed 50 kg of free luggage and can carry up to 100 kg by paying excess charges. AC First Class passengers are entitled to a higher limit, with 70 kg allowed free and a maximum of 150 kg on payment.

The Minister clarified that the maximum luggage limit includes the free allowance, meaning passengers cannot exceed the prescribed cap for their class even after paying charges. Excess baggage can be booked and carried in the compartment up to the maximum limit by paying charges calculated at 1.5 times the prescribed luggage rate.

Indian Railways has also specified size restrictions for personal luggage. Only trunks, suitcases and boxes with maximum dimensions of 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm are permitted inside passenger compartments. Items exceeding these dimensions must be booked and transported in the brake van or parcel van.

Large articles and commercial goods are not allowed as personal luggage in passenger compartments and must be booked separately for transport in brake vans. Luggage exceeding the permitted limits is carried in the brake vans of trains, subject to the maximum booking limits set by Indian Railways.