As the festival season comes close, travellers heading home via train for Diwali, Chhath or Durga Puja must note the rules on luggage weight limit, fee for pet and cattle, among others.
1 / 7India is witnessing a surge in train travel amid the festive travel season this coming week as the country celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami and other Hindu festivals. With schools on break and many offices offering extended weekends, families are taking advantage of the holiday window to visit relatives, embark on pilgrimages, or enjoy short getaways. Railway stations, airports, and highways are experiencing a sharp increase in footfall. If you too are embarking on a train journey, here are some luggage rules you must know so that you do not end up flouting any rules and avoid being fined. Read on to know more. (Image: PTI)
2 / 7All luggage must be clearly labeled either in English or Hindi. If you wish to carry the luggage in the same train, owners must bring it to the luggage office at least 30 minutes before departure. (Image: Canva)
3 / 7Weight limit for passengers travelling in various classes are as follows: Free allowance upto 70 kg for AC first class, 50 kg for AC 2-Tier sleeper, 40 kg for AC 3-tier sleeper as well as sleeper class, and 30 kg for second class. (Image: Canva)
4 / 7A bulky surcharge is levied on luggage that weighs more than 100 kg or exceeds the dimensions of one metre by one metre by 0.7 metre (1m × 1m × 0.7m). Even if the weight is under 100 kg, it will still be considered bulky if any one of the dimensions crosses the limit. However, there is an exception. If only one dimension exceeds the prescribed size by up to 10% while the weight remains within 100 kg on a volumetric basis, the luggage will not be treated as bulky. In all other cases, the bulky surcharge is charged at double the normal rate. (Image: Canva)
5 / 7Trunks, suitcases, or boxes up to 100 cm × 60 cm × 25 cm are allowed inside compartments. If any dimension exceeds this, they must go in the brake van (not inside passenger area). For AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car, the maximum size inside compartment is 55 cm × 45 cm × 22.5 cm. (Image: Canva)
6 / 7According to Section 77-A of the Indian Railways Act, the Railways’ responsibility for animals is limited to set amounts unless the owner pays extra insurance. The maximum compensation is ₹1,500 for an elephant, ₹750 for a horse, ₹200 for a mule, camel or horned cattle, and ₹30 for a donkey, sheep, goat, dog or any other animal or bird. (Image: Canva)
7 / 7Passengers carrying an oxygen cylinder with a supporting stand, accompanied by a valid medical certificate, are permitted to take it in all classes. The oxygen cylinder and stand will also be exempt from luggage charges. (Image: Canva)
