In a decision that could trigger a major controversy, the Indian Railways has decided to strictly enforce its over three-decade-old luggage allowance rules by slapping up to six-time penalty for carrying excess load in train.
According to the prescribed norms, a sleeper class and a second class passenger can carry luggage weighing 40 kg and 35 kg respectively without paying any extra money, and a maximum of 80 kg and 70 kg respectively by paying for the excess luggage at the parcel office. The excess luggage would have to be put in the luggage van.
Officials said unlike at airports where the luggage of each passenger is weighed, the Railways will carry out random checks. For example, if a passenger is travelling 500 km with luggage weighing 80 kg in the sleeper class, he can book his excess baggage of 40 kg for Rs 109 in the luggage van. However, if he fails to do so and is caught with the excess luggage, he will end up paying a penalty of Rs 654.
Similarly, an AC first class passenger can carry 70 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 150 kg after paying a fee for the excess 80 kg. An AC two-tier passenger can carry 50 kg of luggage for free and another 50 kg by paying a fee. An AC 3-tier sleeper/AC chair car passenger can carry 40 kg of luggage for free and a maximum of 80 kg after paying a fee for the excess 40 kg.
However, it is not clear how the Railways will ensure that passengers who are going to end their journey at a station where the trains have very brief stoppage will be able to collect their luggage from the luggage van. This is bound to create confusion and chaos.
The railways will also ensure that trunks, suitcases and boxes adhere to the prescribed measurements of 100cm x 60cm x 25cm (length, breadth, height) for personal luggage to be carried in compartments. If the trunks, suitcases and boxes exceed any one of the dimensions, those would have to be booked and carried in the luggage van.
“A special drive has been also launched to enforce the rules during this week. A lot of train passengers are not aware of the luggage allowance in compartments. This is why awareness drive has been undertaken and will continue across the country for this month before the penalty provision is applied,” said a Ministry official.
“The rules are already in place, we are just enforcing them strictly now. Passengers are allowed to book and carry excess luggage in the luggage van, up to the maximum limit, on the payment of a fee equivalent to one-and-a-half times the luggage rate. If a passenger is found travelling with un-booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance, the excess weight will be charged six times the luggage rate.
The move is to ensure passenger convenience and address the issue of cramped compartments,” said Ved Prakash, Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board.