Indian Railways is all set apply airline-like rules in trains. The rule will be applicable for passengers carrying extra luggage. Just like in airlines that weight luggage before you board the flight and if overweight charge you extra money, similar rule is going to be implemented by Indian Railways for passengers traveling via train. Although this rule is already there, but it could not be fully implemented.
Now passengers will be able to carry luggage with them while traveling in Indian Railways only as per the standards set. The related limit on the weight of luggage will be strictly implemented at some major railway stations of the country.
Like airlines, preparations are also being made to fully implement these rules for train travel. According to the rule, the permission for free luggage is different for different categories of travel.
For example, those traveling in first class AC coaches will be allowed to carry luggage up to 70 kg. For AC second class passengers, this limit will be 50 kg and for third AC and sleeper class passengers, the limit will be up to 40 kg.
For passengers traveling on general tickets, then the weight of the luggage they can carry can be up to 35 kg.
For now, Northern Railway and North Central Railway have decided to start this system from major stations of Lucknow and Prayagraj division. The Railway Stations that have been identified include Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Kanpur and Aligarh Junction. Apart from this, Lucknow Charbagh, Banaras, Prayagraj Chheoki, Subedarganj, Mirzapur, Tundla, Aligarh, Govindpuri and Etawah are also included in the list.
As per Railway Officials, rules are necessary for both the safety and convenience of rail passengers, because many times passengers carry too much luggage with them, which causes problems in sitting and walking in the coach. They have termed excess luggage as a security risk.
The facility of booking your luggage has been started at the railway station just like at the airport. If there is a bag or briefcase weighing more than the prescribed limit and it obstructs the boarding space, then there is also a provision to impose a fine on them.
According to the Railways, if more than the prescribed limit and unbooked luggage is found during the checking, then a charge will have to be paid more than the normal rate.
It is pertinent to mention here that passengers will be allowed to carry extra luggage up to 10 kg with them, for more than this, luggage will have to be booked.
