Railways to charge overweight luggage across classes: Rates, timing change for charts

Train travel is set to become stricter on baggage, with passengers soon required to pay extra if their luggage exceeds the prescribed free weight limit. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed the Lok Sabha that a fixed fee will be levied for carrying baggage beyond the permissible weight, with rates varying by class of travel. While rules on baggage weight already exist, they are rarely enforced, allowing passengers to carry luggage without checks. The new system will be implemented once scanners and weighing facilities are installed at stations.

What are the rates
Under the revised norms, passengers in AC First Class can carry up to 70 kg free of charge and, on payment, up to 150 kg. In AC Second Class, 50 kg will be allowed free, with a paid limit of up to 100 kg. AC Third Class passengers will be permitted to carry only 40 kg. In Sleeper Class, 40 kg can be taken free and up to 80 kg on payment, while in General Class, the free luggage limit will be 35 kg,  which can be extended up to 70 kg on payment.

Excess baggage will be charged at 1.5 times the prescribed luggage rate, depending on the class of travel. Goods intended for commercial purposes will not be permitted in passenger coaches. Restrictions will also apply to luggage size, with the maximum dimensions capped at 1 metre in length, 60 centimetres in width, and 25 centimetres in height. Items exceeding these limits will be accepted only in parcel wagons.

Reservation chart timings revised
The Railways have also revised the schedule for preparing reservation charts. For trains departing between 5.01 am and 2 pm, the first reservation chart will be prepared at 8 pm on the previous day. For trains leaving between 2.01 pm and 5 am the next day, the first chart will be prepared 10 hours before departure. The revised timings will come into effect immediately.