How to Book Luggage in Indian Railways?
- Admin
- 16 Oct 2023
Sometimes we need to send some luggage to our relatives, friends or the workplace by train, even when we are not traveling. Luggage may be boxes, a basket of fruits, books and household materials. Then how to send them by the Indian Railways? Is there any option to send a parcel to our relatives? Don't worry, the Indian Railways offers a great opportunity to dispatch your luggage somewhere though you are not traveling.
Here in this article, we will discuss the procedure of booking luggage with the Indian Railways to make you informed that sending a parcel in your absence is safe in Indian Railways.
Also read : Explore India With Advanced Facilities Of Indian Railways
IRCTC Indian Railways Luggage Rules
Indian Railways has certain rules for transporting luggage to a place by train. Indian Railways offers some free allowances for luggage that is within the weight limit. This rule permits the passenger to transport luggage in the compartment without paying extra charges to the Indian Government. However, the parcel beyond the weight limit is chargeable.
Also Read : How to make train reservations in Indian Railways?
The luggage rules by Indian Railways have been mentioned below:
1. According to the Indian Railways website, boxes, trunks, and suitcase measuring 100 cm. length, 60 cm. the breadth and 25 cm. height are allowed to carry free of cost. But luggage beyond such measurement requires booking.
2. Indian Railways has not put any restriction on the quantity and type of luggage carried in the brake van of passenger trains. Luggage of larger size needs to be carried by only brake van. The minimum charge for large luggage is Rs. 30.
3. The patients along with oxygen cylinder and other medical implements can travel in any class. They need no permission or booking.
4. According to the Railway website, a huge amount of surcharge is needed on luggage weighing 100 kg. or 1m. length, 1m breadth and .7m height measuring luggage.
5. The luggage for booking needs to be presented 30 minutes before the departure of the respective train.
6. Luggage that is not permitted to carry by train even by booking include explosives, offensive materials, inflammable articles, acids, and empty gas cylinders.
7. Children between 5 to 12 years of age are allowed half allowance.
Also read : Indian Railways Classes and Coaches – A Guide to Ticket Booking
Types of Luggage Transportation in Indian Railways (IRCTC)
You can transport your luggage in two ways:
- While You Are Travelling: Indian Railways offers an option for traveling with luggage like cycle, bike, and pet with you. There are times when you need to travel to a place along with your pet or bike. In this case, Indian Railways provide you an opportunity to travel with your luggage on the same train, maybe in different compartments.
- While You Are Not Travelling: Secondly, there are times when you are not traveling but you need to send your luggage somewhere. In this case, you may send the luggage through parcel booking.
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How to Book Luggage in Indian Railways?
If people along with a lot of luggage want to travel by train, it is better to book luggage online to avoid the hassle. People carry two types of luggage-one heavy luggage along with them while traveling and others, luggage while not traveling. In the second case, booking is needed following Indian Railway guidelines.
First, you can approach the station master to inform him about your luggage transfer. Some large or heavy luggage needs transfer charges, which you have to pay to the government through station master.
When you are traveling with your luggage, security checking is necessary.
Fill the luggage booking form of Indian Railways. You may get the form online. Then complete payment following necessary formalities. Indian Railway sets charges as per the weight and delicacy of luggage. After completing payment formalities, you will receive an online booking receipt that you should print out.
You may simply go to the parcel office near your railway station. First, fill the parcel booking form and fulfill other formalities. Then leave your luggage at the parcel office.
To book luggage you should bring with you at parcel office any ID proof issued by the Government and train ticket.
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Procedure to Book Luggage in train (Indian Railways)
Let us have a look at the steps for booking luggage:
#Step 1 : Pack and parcel the luggage that you want to send by train. If you packing books, tie them and wrap them with paper and then put the books in a box. If you are sending glass items, then wrapping with a paper put in a box and mark the box with a label fragile for safety and extra care.
#Step 2 : After completing the package you need to reach the parcel office of the station where you will meet parcel officers. They will guide you about the things you need to do. After completing formalities, they will give you a receipt and parcel number, which you have to keep with you safely.
#Step 3 : Hand over the parcel to parcel officers of the station.
#Step 4 : Now, wait for the arrival of the parcel to the destination. The delivery time is 3 to 5 days.
#Step 5 : If you are sending gold jewelry, you must attach insurance policies with it. So you need to do much paperwork.
#Step6 : You have to submit the necessary documents including ID proof to the parcel office before sending the luggage to the destination.
Also read : Kashi Mahakal Express - Route, Fare, How to book
Rates of Booking Luggage in train (INR)
| Distance | Weight of the Parcel | Paid Amount |
| 1-50 km | 1-10 kg | Rs. 5 |
| 1-50 km | 91-100 kg | Rs. 5 |
| 51-60 km | 1-10 kg | Rs. 5.07 |
| 51-60 km | 51-60 kg | Rs. 30.38 |
| 61-70 km | 71-80 kg | Rs.43.21 |
| 100-110km | 41-50 kg | Rs.33.75 |
| 190-200km | 91-100 kg | Rs.96.75 |
Limit of Free Luggage in Trains
The following maximum free allowance limits, marginal allowance limits, are allowed to be carried of luggage in the compartment of Indian Railways:
| Class | Free allowance | Marginal allowance | Maximum quantity permitted ( including free allowance) |
| AC First Class | 70 Kgs | 15 Kgs | 150 Kgs |
| AC 2-Tier sleeper/First class | 50 Kgs | 10 Kgs | 100 Kgs |
| AC 3-tier sleeper/AC chair car | 40 Kgs | 10 Kgs | 40 Kgs |
| Sleeper class | 40 Kgs | 10 Kgs | 80 Kgs |
| Second class | 35 Kgs | 10 Kgs | 70 Kgs |
If Luggage is Lost & Damaged
In case of damage or loss of luggage, you will get back the booking value of the luggage. You will be given the claimed amount that will not be more than the value of luggage declared at the time of booking the luggage.
In case of theft of your luggage, you must approach GRP escort who will give you the FIR forms. You don't need to break your journey to lodge complain at the police station.
Conclusion
Thus you can book your luggage with the Indian railways. For safety and comfort journey, Indian railways have set some rules for booking luggage. To avoid hassle Indian railways are offering proper steps or procedures on how to book luggage by train.
Frequently Asking Questions on Luggage Transport
Q. How can I transport my luggage by train?
A. In order to transport the luggage in the train, the owner first will have to first present the luggage in the baggage office of the station. He or she will have to do it at least 30 minutes before the actual departure time. If the passenger is booking the accommodation in advance then they will also be able to book the luggage in advance.
Q. Can we book luggage in train online?
A. No you cannot book your luggage in train online. You will have to go to the baggage office physically and get it done.
Q. How much does it cost to transport luggage in a train?
In order to transport the luggage in the train you will have to pay the packing or the porter charge somewhere between Rs. 150 and Rs.300. These charges will be for packing and also delivery.
Q. What are luggage charges in Indian Railways?
A. The minimum charges for carrying luggage in the Indian railways will be Rs. 30. There are no restrictions on the amount of luggage you can carry in the train
Q. How much weight we can carry in Indian Railway?
A. For AC first class, you can carry a maximum of 150 kgs, for AC 2 tier sleeper, you can carry a maximum of 100 kgs, for AC 3 tier sleeper, you can carry a maximum of 40 kgs and you can carry a maximum of 80 kgs in the sleeper class.
Q. Can I transport my bike by train ?
A. In order to transport your bike, you will simply have to reach the station about 3 to 4 hours before the actual departure of the train. You will have to first go to the parcel office in order to pay the charges for carrying the bike. You will have to get a ticket and also a delivery challan. You will have to show this challan when you will collect the bike from the end station.
Q. How much does it cost to transport a bike?
A. The fees for bike parceling and the bike transport charges would be somewhere between Rs. 150 and Rs. 300.
Q. How can I take extra luggage in train?
A. If you are carrying 70 kgs of luggage in AC first class, then you will not have to pay anything, however, if you carry up to a maximum of 150 kgs luggage but for doing so you will have to pay extra money. For carrying 50 kgs luggage in ac 2 tier sleeper, you will not have to pay anything, but if you want to carry luggage above 50 kgs and up to a maximum of 100 kgs you will have to pay extra. The free allowance for AC 3 tier and sleeper class is 40 kgs. In sleeper class you can carry luggage up to a maximum of 80 kgs, but for luggage above 40 kgs, you will have to pay an extra charge.
Q. Can we carry luggage in train without booking?
A. In trains passengers can carry their luggage. However, if you want you can be there in the luggage office 30 minutes in advance and get the necessary permission. If one is carrying luggage more than 100 kgs then he or she has to pay a hefty amount of surcharge.
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