Train Passengers Can Now Book Excess Luggage Online: Check Class-Wise Limits, Sizes and Charges
Starting today, July 31, Indian Railways passengers with confirmed tickets can book excess personal luggage online via IRCTC, eliminating station parcel office visits. The digital system outlines class-wise weight limits, bag sizes, and pricing. The digital facility aims to streamline baggage handling and improve the travel experience.
Starting today, July 31, Indian Railways passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets can book excess personal luggage online directly through the IRCTC platform while booking their train journeys. The new system removes the previous requirement for travellers carrying baggage beyond the free allowance to visit station parcel offices in person before departure. Developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) following directives from the Railway Board, the digital facility aims to streamline baggage handling and improve the travel experience.
Free Allowance and Weight Limits by Class
The initiative applies exclusively to personal luggage carried inside reserved passenger compartments, subject to strict class-wise limits:
- AC First Class: Up to 70 kg free allowance; maximum permissible weight of 150 kg with additional charges.
- First Class and AC 2-Tier: Up to 50 kg free allowance; maximum permissible weight of 100 kg.
- Sleeper Class: Up to 40 kg free allowance; maximum permissible weight of 80 kg.
- Second Class: Up to 35 kg free allowance; maximum permissible weight of 70 kg.
- AC 3-Tier, AC 3 Economy, and AC Chair Car: Permitted luggage is capped at 40 kg, matching the free allowance limit, meaning excess luggage cannot be booked for these classes.
Railways have also enforced dimensional restrictions for bags brought inside coaches, limiting sizes to 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm for AC 3-Tier, AC 3 Economy, and AC Chair Car, and 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm for AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, Sleeper, and General classes. Central Railway Staff Rescue Passenger Who Slipped While Trying To Board Koyna Express at Lonavala Station (Watch Video).
Charges and Online Booking Procedure
Passengers exceeding their designated free allowance will be charged 1.5 times the normal luggage rate, with a minimum charge of INR 30 calculated in 10 kg slabs and a base distance of 50 km. Travellers can declare excess luggage during ticket booking or utilise the Indian Railways parcel portal by generating an e-forwarding note. Upon arriving at the station, passengers must present the printout alongside their luggage for weighing and final Railway Receipt (RR) issuance. The platform also features an SMS notification system and a Track & Trace tool to monitor baggage transit until collection at the destination counter.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2026 03:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).