How Much Luggage Is Allowed In Indian Railways?

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Wanderlust

Member
How much luggage is allowed in Indian Railways? Is there any cap on the amount of luggage I can carry while travelling in train? Do they measure the size and weight of luggages like in airports? Please help me with the luggage rules for railway travel in India.
 
Although the Indian Railways is not known to strictly enforce the luggage rules, going by the rule book a passenger is not allowed to carry luggage beyond the permissible limits set by the railways for different classes. According to Indian Railways website, the maximum luggage allowance per passenger is as given below -

Free Luggage Allowance Per Passenger:

AC First Class - 70 KG
AC 2-Tier - 50 KG
AC 3-Tier - 40 KG
Sleeper Class - 40 KG
Second Class (General) - 35 KG

On top of the free allowance mentioned above, the passengers can carry additional marginal allowance without any extra charge upon getting approval from the railway authority. The marginal allowance (which is not chargeable) for each of the classes of travel are given below -

Marginal Luggage Allowance Per Passenger:

AC First Class - 15 KG
AC 2-Tier - 10 KG
AC 3-Tier - 10 KG
Sleeper Class - 10 KG
Second Class (General) - 10 KG

Over and above the free and marginal allowance, passengers can carry additional luggage with them by paying the appropriate luggage fees. The maximum amount of luggage permitted (including free allowance) for different classes are listed below -

Maximum Luggage Allowance Per Passenger (Chargeable):

AC First Class - 150 KG
AC 2-Tier - 100 KG
AC 3-Tier - 80 KG
Sleeper Class - 80 KG
Second Class (General) - 70 KG

Note that the additional luggage (after deducting the free and marginal allowances) would be charged at 1.5 times of the normal luggage rate.

In terms of luggage size, the maximum allowed container dimension is 1m x 1m x 0.7m ((length x breadth x height) in outside measurement. Again I have never seen this rule being strictly adhered to.

If you need to carry luggage beyond the maximum permitted quantity and size specified above, then you must use the brake van service. For using the brake van, you need to book your luggage in advance at the railways parcel office.

Luggage Surcharge Penalty (If caught with excessive luggage during the journey):

If a passenger is caught during the journey or at the destination with unbooked excess luggage, the additional weight exceeding free allowance is charged at six (6) times more than the standard luggage rate.

Regards,
Deb
 

How Much Luggage is Allowed in Indian Railways? (Updated 2025 Guide)​

Indian Railways has specific luggage weight limits based on the class of travel. If you exceed the free allowance, you may need to pay extra charges or book the luggage separately.

1. Free Luggage Allowance in Indian Railways (By Class)​

Class of TravelFree Luggage AllowanceMaximum Limit (With Extra Charges)
AC First Class (1A)70 kg150 kg
AC 2-Tier (2A)50 kg100 kg
AC 3-Tier (3A)40 kg90 kg
Sleeper Class (SL)40 kg80 kg
Second Class (General)35 kg70 kg
Important Notes:
  • Children (5-12 years) get only half the luggage allowance.
  • Luggage beyond the free limit is chargeable at ₹10-₹30 per kg depending on distance.

2. Carrying Extra Luggage: What to Do?​

If your luggage is above the free limit but within the max allowed, you need to:
  1. Declare the extra baggage at the station.
  2. Pay the excess baggage charge at the railway luggage booking counter.
  3. Obtain a receipt and attach it to your luggage.
Tip: Avoid getting fined by declaring excess baggage before travel. If a ticket examiner finds undeclared excess baggage, the fine can be 2-3 times the normal charges!

3. What Happens if Your Luggage is Too Heavy?​

If your luggage exceeds the max limit, it won’t be allowed inside the train compartment. Instead, you must:
✔️ Book it in the luggage van at the railway station.
✔️ Send it separately as a parcel using the Railway Parcel Service.
Where to Book Extra Luggage?
  • Luggage Office at Railway Stations
  • Online at parcel.indianrail.gov.in (for parcel booking)

4. Indian Railways Luggage Charges (2025 Updated Rates)​

Weight100 km500 km1000 km
Up to 20 kg₹30₹100₹180
50 kg₹70₹250₹450
100 kg₹150₹500₹900
200 kg₹250₹900₹1,700
Tip: You can check railway luggage charges online using the Railway Parcel Rate Calculator.

5. What About Luggage for Tatkal & RAC Passengers?​

  • Tatkal Tickets: Same luggage rules as normal tickets.
  • RAC Passengers: Allowed luggage but space may be limited.
  • Waiting List (WL) Passengers: Luggage is not guaranteed to be carried if your ticket is not confirmed.
Extra Tip: For long-distance travel, use Indian Railways Parcel Service to send heavy luggage separately.

6. Carrying Special Luggage in Indian Trains​

ItemBooking Required?Additional Rules
Laptop BagNoAllowed as part of free hand baggage.
Suitcases & BagsNoMust fit under berth or on overhead rack.
BicycleYesMust be booked as luggage or parcel.
Scooters & MotorcyclesYesFuel must be emptied before transport.
Household ItemsYesBooked via Indian Railways Parcel Service.
Tip: Always label your luggage with name, phone number, and destination to avoid mix-ups.

Final Thoughts​

Indian Railways allows a reasonable luggage limit for free, but if you are carrying extra baggage, it's best to declare it at the station to avoid fines. For large or bulky items, use the parcel booking service to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Need help booking railway luggage or parcel services? Drop a comment!
4o
 
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