The Indian Railways is not planning to bring airports-like standard luggage policy to control the baggage that people bring with them, and which troubles their fellow passengers as well, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday. He called the news “fake” and said there was no such plan in consideration.
Earlier it was reported that a phase-wise plan was underway at several railway stations to charge passengers if they are found carrying more than permitted weight of luggage.
What reports claimed
Multiple reports claimed that the Railways is planning to bring a baggage charges policy, with clear rules to standardise the carrying of luggage at the railway stations. Under this, passengers will be weighing their luggage and those carrying more than the permissible weight, will be charged, it claimed.
However, the Railways Minister, while speaking with Live Mint, has termed the reports baseless, saying that no such plan is in discussion.
“Someone picked the already existing rules and did stories on them. It is absolute fake news. The rules have been there for decades,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
At present, the airlines have a baggage policy in place under which, a certain weight of luggage is allowed for the passengers to carry in the cabin, and a limit is in place for the main luggage. Over and above this limit, a person will have to shell extra bucks.
Indian Railways’ baggage limit
Most of the people are not aware that the Indian Railways does have a baggage limit policy in place, which states booking class-wise permissible weight limit. However, it has hardly been followed so far, and the same will change very soon.
AC First Class: In this class, passengers can carry up to 70 kg of luggage. A relaxation of 15 kg is allowed over 70 kg. If one has to carry more than this, booking for an extra 65 kg is permissible for the parcel van.
Second AC: The limit of luggage here is 50 kg, with an extra 10 kg relaxation. Over and above this, a passenger will have to book a parcel van for up to 30 kg.
Third AC / AC Chair Car: Luggage weighing 40 kg, with a 10 kg relaxation is allowed in third AC class. If more is required, you can book another 30 kg in the parcel van.
Sleeper Class: Limit here is 40 kg, plus 10 kg relaxation for free of charge. One can carry as much as 70 kg more in the parcel van.
Second Class / General Class: Passengers are allowed to carry only 35 kg, with 10 kg relaxation. Parcel van can be booked for more luggage weighing an additional 60 kg.