What the Railways Said in Parliament

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the lok sabha that Indian Railways already has class‑wise luggage weight limits — and if passengers exceed those limits they must pay extra charges for the excess baggage, similar to how airlines charge for extra weight.

The announcement came in response to a question from a Member of parliament during the Winter Session of Parliament.

Free Allowance Is Not Unlimited

The Railway minister clarified that:

· Each class of travel on indian trains has a specific free luggage allowance. If your bags are within that limit, you don’t pay extra.

· But if you carry more than the allowed luggage, you must pay charges to carry the excess.

This means the idea of completely free luggage with a ticket applies only up to the class‑specific weight limits.

How the Luggage Limits Work

According to the information shared in Parliament:

· The rules define both a free allowance and a maximum total limit you can carry with you in the coach.

· If your luggage stays within the free limit — all good.

· If your luggage exceeds the free limit but is below the maximum limit, you pay extra charges (often 1.5× the luggage rate) to carry it.

· Overdata-sized items that don’t fit certain data-size dimensions must be booked separately and transported in a parcel or brake van.

For example (based on official information):

· Second Class passengers might get a certain weight free (e.g., around 35 kg), and pay extra up to a higher limit.

· AC classes and Sleeper classes have different free and paid limits.

Note: Practically, many passengers have carried luggage without checks in the past — but the Railways is now emphasizing that limits and fees do exist and may be enforced more strictly.

Why This Matters

Until now, most travellers were not stopped or charged for heavy baggage at railway stations. But with the government pointing out the rules in Parliament, it signals:

· A push toward stricter enforcement of luggage rules.

· More passengers may have to pay if they carry heavy or overdata-sized luggage.

· The rules are similar in spirit to airline baggage charges — although not exactly the same system yet.

Important Clarifications

· This is not a ban on free luggage completely — you still get a free allowance based on your class.

· It is a confirmation that the Railways will charge for excess luggage beyond the free limit.

· The rules themselves are not entirely new — they have existed for years — but enforcement and public awareness may be increasing.

Tips for Passengers

✔ Check the free luggage limit for your travel class before you pack.
✔ If your bags are heavy or large, consider booking excess luggage at the station’s parcel office.
✔ Overdata-sized trunks beyond data-size limits should be transported in brake vans/parcel vans, not inside the passenger compartment.

 

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