IRCTC New Rules: Railways to Charge Passengers Hefty Penalties If They Carry Extra Baggage, Check Limit & Fines

Carrying more luggage on the train may cost you more money in the future. For decades, the transportation behemoth has been lenient with passenger luggage, but it just announced that new luggage carrying restrictions will be strictly enforced. To put it another way, much like air travellers, rail travellers will be charged a fee for bringing too much luggage.

On May 29, the Ministry of Railways issued a post from its official Twitter account advising travellers not to travel with extra baggage. "If the luggage is bigger, the enjoyment of the travel would be half!" the ministry said in a tweet, in Hindi. “Carry as little luggage as possible while traveling by train. Go to the parcel office and book the luggage if you have extra baggage."

Maximum baggage limit allowed in Trains

Passengers in the sleeper class may now take up to 40 kg of luggage without paying extra, thanks to recent rules. Passengers traveling in second class are also permitted to bring baggage weighing up to 35 kg. By paying an additional fee, this restriction can be extended to 80 kg and 70 kg, respectively.

Extra Fines for Excess Baggage in Trains

Passengers who are found traveling with excess and un-booked bags will be charged six times the baggage cost, according to sources. For example, if a customer is traveling 500 km and has 40 kg of excess baggage, the traveller can book it in a luggage van for Rs 109. If the traveler is detected with excess luggage in the midst of the journey, however, he or she would be fined Rs 654.

Size of baggage

To be allowed as personal luggage, your trunks, bags, and cartons must be no more than 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. The maximum dimensions of your suitcase/trunk must be 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm if you are traveling in AC 3 tier and AC chair car compartments.