Indian Railways to implement stringent baggage rules

New Delhi: As per the proposal, the railway passengers have to weigh their luggage using an electronic weighing machine before entering platforms. If passengers are found carrying heavy luggage, they have to pay luggage charges, said an railway official here.

The railway is planning to implement this on a pilot basis in the North Central Railway's Prayagraj division. The system will be rolled out in phases, beginning with Prayagraj and Chheoki Junctions by October-November, before being extended to other stations, said an official in the railways.

A private agency will later be selected through tenders to install weighing machines and scanners at its own cost and share revenue with the Railways, said the official.

Under the plan, baggage scanners will be placed at entry and exit points, and tags issued for registered baggage. Excess baggage will need to be booked as parcels at standard parcel rates, the official said.

The railway is already taking up massive station development projects across the country with modern facilities. In the modernised stations, there will be segregation of passengers with separate entry and exit gates and also allowing only valid ticket holders to enter the platforms. Non-travelers have to purchase platform tickets which will be their visitors pass, said the official.

At present, passengers in AC first class will be allowed 70 kg of luggage free of charge, AC second class 50 kg, AC third and sleeper class 40 kg, and general class 30 kg. Any excess luggage from this will attract a fee, said the official.

The railways is adopting this system as it found unbooked luggage is often found in large numbers during train journeys and narcotics have been detected in such baggage.

The railways said the new plan would not be a burden to passengers as this will ensure their safe and comfortable journey especially in long distance trains.