Railway passengers to get online excess baggage booking option from July 31

Railway passengers carrying baggage beyond the prescribed free allowance will soon be able to book excess luggage online while reserving their tickets, eliminating the need to visit parcel offices for luggage van bookings.

The facility follows a Railway Board decision permitting passengers to book personal luggage, within the prescribed maximum limits, for carriage in reserved compartments. The option to book excess luggage will be integrated into the online ticket reservation system from July 31.

However, the free and maximum luggage allowances prescribed for AC three-tier, AC chair car and second-class compartments will remain unchanged. Booking of excess luggage is not permitted in classes where the maximum permissible limit is the same as the free allowance.

According to railway officials, passengers are currently allowed to carry luggage free of charge up to 70 kg in AC First Class, 50 kg in First Class/AC 2-tier, 40 kg in AC 3-tier, AC Chair Car and Sleeper Class, and 35 kg in Second Class.

Passengers may carry luggage beyond the free allowance by paying charges at 1.5 times the luggage rate, subject to the maximum class-wise limits. These limits, including the free allowance, are 150 kg for AC First Class, 100 kg for First Class/AC 2-tier, 80 kg for Sleeper Class, and 70 kg for Second Class. For AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car, excess luggage booking is not permitted as the free allowance and maximum permissible limit are the same.

Officials cautioned that passengers found carrying unbooked or partially booked luggage beyond the permissible limits, either during the journey or at their destination, would be liable to pay penalties.

The Railways have also prescribed size limits for baggage carried inside coaches. For AC Chair Car and AC 3-tier, the maximum permissible dimensions are 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm. For AC First Class, AC 2-tier, Sleeper Class and General Class, the limit is 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. Oversized luggage may be denied entry into compartments and must instead be booked in the train’s luggage or parcel van.

Officials said parcel bookings are also subject to weight limits. Passengers holding AC or First Class tickets can book up to 500 kg of non-household goods and 1,000 kg of household goods, while those travelling in non-AC classes can book up to 300 kg of non-household goods and 500 kg of household goods.

Luggage charges vary depending on the distance travelled, train service and weight of the consignment. The minimum charge is ₹30, calculated in slabs of 10 kg and minimum distance is 50 km, officials added.