Indian Railways to Introduce Airports-Like Standard Luggage Policy

The Indian Railways is working on implementing a phase-wise luggage policy, similar to those found at airports, to standardize baggage handling and minimize disturbances to fellow passengers. The policy aims to charge passengers for carrying luggage over the permissible weight limit. To achieve this, electronic weighing machines will be installed at railway stations, and passengers will be required to weigh their luggage before boarding. Those carrying excessive luggage will face penalties, and the policy will be enforced on a class-wise basis.

Key Takeaways:

The Indian Railways is planning to introduce a baggage charges policy, with clear rules to standardize the carrying of luggage at railway stations.
Passengers will be required to weigh their luggage using electronic weighing machines at railway stations, and those carrying more than the allowed luggage limit will face penalties.
The permissible weight limit varies by class: AC First Class (70 kg), Second AC (50 kg), Third AC / AC Chair Car (40 kg), Sleeper Class (40 kg), and Second Class / General Class (35 kg).
Passengers can carry additional luggage in the parcel van, with varying relaxation limits by class.
Non-travelers and family members of passengers will require a "visitor pass" to access railway stations, starting from December 2026, with a valid ticket serving as a "boarding pass".
The Railways will implement the policy in phases, with work reportedly underway at several stations.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Ministry of Railways, confirmed the plans, stating that the passenger will be asked to pass their luggage through electronic weighing machines at railway stations.

Statistics:

The permissible weight limit for AC First Class is 70 kg, with a relaxation of 15 kg.
The permissible weight limit for Second AC is 50 kg, with a relaxation of 10 kg extra.
The permissible weight limit for Third AC / AC Chair Car is 40 kg, with a relaxation of 10 kg.
The permissible weight limit for Sleeper Class is 40 kg, with a relaxation of 10 kg.
The permissible weight limit for Second Class / General Class is 35 kg, with a relaxation of 10 kg.

Sources:

News18
Contify.com