Railway Minister Confirms No Extra Charges for Luggage Limits

The Indian Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, has confirmed that railway passengers will not incur additional charges for carrying luggage exceeding the prescribed limits. This announcement follows earlier reports suggesting that the Prayagraj division of the North Central Railway planned to impose fees for excess baggage, mirroring practices seen in air travel.

In an interview, Minister Vaishnav addressed concerns regarding potential new charges, stating unequivocally that there is no intention to levy additional fees for excess luggage on trains. He emphasized that the rules regarding permissible luggage weight have been in place for many years. Passengers traveling by rail have historically been allowed to carry extra luggage without incurring extra charges, a policy that remains unchanged.

Safety Measures and Luggage Regulation Plans

Reports had previously indicated that railway authorities were preparing to introduce measures similar to airport protocols, including the installation of luggage checking machines at railway stations. These measures aim to enhance passenger safety and prevent the transportation of illegal items, such as narcotics. Despite these safety initiatives, Minister Vaishnav reiterated that the current luggage regulations will not change.

There were also discussions about tagging luggage for rail travel, akin to airport systems. According to earlier reports, passengers would need to book parcels for luggage exceeding the weight limits. For example, 70 kg will be permitted for AC First Class passengers without additional charges. In contrast, luggage above this limit would be classified as a parcel, subject to fees. Similar regulations apply to other classes: 50 kg for AC Second Class, 40 kg for both AC Three Class and Sleeper Class, and 30 kg for General Class.

Minister Vaishnav’s clarification has alleviated concerns among travelers about new financial burdens. He indicated that any implementation of new rules would occur gradually. The first phase is expected to roll out in October-November 2023 at the Prayagraj and Chheoki Junctions, with other stations to follow thereafter.

The Railway Minister’s stance reinforces the commitment to maintaining passenger convenience while also prioritizing safety. The ongoing discussions about luggage regulations reflect a broader effort by Indian Railways to modernize its services while ensuring that travel remains accessible to all passengers.