Is Indian Railways introducing luggage limits like airports?

If you usually travel by train, you’ll know the scene well —families hauling giant suitcases, extra cartons squeezed under the seats, and bags stacked in every possible corner. For decades, Indian Railways has been lenient about luggage, unlike airlines that weigh every extra kilo. But that’s about to change.

Railways is now planning to bring in a proper baggage policy, almost like airports, with clear rules.

Passengers will be asked to pass their luggage through electronic weighing machines at railway stations, and those carrying more than the allowed luggage limit will face penalties, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Ministry of Railways, told News18. 

As per a Business Today report, the first phase of this rollout will cover stations like Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Kanpur and Aligarh Junction. If the system works well, it will gradually be extended to more cities.

So, what exactly are these new rules? How much can you carry? And what fines could you face if your bags are overweight? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are the baggage limits?

Technically, Indian Railways already has baggage rules in place, but most travellers have hardly ever seen them enforced. Now, that’s about to change, and much like airports, the allowance will depend on which class you’re travelling in.

-AC First Class: Passengers can carry up to 70 kg of luggage, plus a relaxation of 15 kg. If you still need more, you can book an extra 65 kg in the parcel van.

-Second AC: The limit here is 50 kg, with an extra 10 kg relaxation. For anything beyond that, you can book up to 30 kg in the parcel van.

-Third AC / AC Chair Car: Travellers are allowed 40 kg, plus a 10 kg relaxation. Need more? You can book another 30 kg in the parcel van.

-Sleeper Class: The free limit is 40 kg, plus 10 kg relaxation. With booking, you can carry as much as 70 kg more in the parcel van.

-Second Class / General Class: The allowance is 35 kg, with 10 kg relaxation. If needed, you can book an additional 60 kg in the parcel van.

What about bag size?

Luggage also comes with size restrictions. Trunks, suitcases, and boxes should not exceed 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. For passengers in AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car, the limit is smaller: 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm. Any larger baggage must be sent through the brake van, with a minimum charge of Rs 30.

Children between 5 and 12 years are allowed half the free allowance, but not more than 50 kg.

Oversized or obstructive bags can be penalised if they block boarding areas.

The Railways clarified in a statement: “Luggage rules already exist. Officers have been instructed to ensure proper enforcement, and standard instructions are available.”

What happens if you exceed the limit?

Once the free allowance is deducted, excess luggage will be charged at 1.5 times the normal booking rate.

The minimum charge is Rs 30, with a minimum chargeable distance of 50 kms and a minimum chargeable weight of 10 kg.

Officials say the policy will help ease congestion, prevent discomfort, and ensure safety inside coaches, especially during peak travel seasons when overcrowding is common.

Items like scooters, cycles, or other bulky objects do not fall under the free allowance and must be booked separately. Passengers are therefore advised to check the limits carefully and book additional weight in advance to avoid last-minute fines.

With input from agencies