Train passengers carrying luggage beyond the prescribed free allowance will have to pay extra charges, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha. He was responding to a question raised by MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, who asked whether baggage rules followed at airports would also be implemented for train travel.
In a written reply, the minister clarified that Indian Railways already enforces class-wise limits on the amount of luggage passengers can carry in passenger compartments. Both free baggage allowance and maximum permissible limits have been clearly defined for each travel class.
At present, Second Class passengers are allowed to carry 35 kg of luggage free of charge, with a maximum limit of 70 kg on payment of additional 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 entitled to 40 kg of free luggage. For First Class and AC 2-Tier, the free allowance is 50 kg, with a maximum of 100 kg.
Meanwhile, AC First Class passengers enjoy the highest allowance—70 kg free, and up to 150 kg with additional charges.
The minister also made it clear that carrying goods meant for commercial purposes as personal luggage is illegal. Luggage exceeding the permitted limits must be booked separately in brake vans, in accordance with Railway norms.
The clarification underscores that, much like air travel, train journeys too come with strict baggage rules, and passengers are advised to plan accordingly to avoid penalties.
