From July 31, rail passengers will be able to book excess baggage online

The option of booking excess baggage for railway passengers will be integrated into the online ticket booking system from 31 July. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: KVS GIRI

Railway passengers carrying baggage beyond the prescribed free limit will soon be able to book excess baggage online while booking tickets, eliminating the need to visit parcel offices to book baggage cars.

The facility is governed by the decision of the Railway Committee, which allows passengers to reserve personal baggage within the prescribed maximum limits for carriage in reserved compartments. The option to reserve excess baggage will be integrated into the online ticket reservation system from July 31.

No change in some classes

However, the free and maximum baggage allowance prescribed for AC Triple Decker, AC Seater and Second Class compartments will remain unchanged. Booking of excess baggage is not permitted in classes where the maximum allowance is the same as the free allowance.

Baggage limit

According to railway officials, passengers are currently allowed to carry free baggage up to 70 kg in AC First class, 50 kg in First Class/AC 2-tier class, 40 kg in AC 3-tier class, AC Chair Car and Sleeper Class and 35 kg in second class.

Passengers may carry baggage in excess of the free allowance by paying charges of 1.5 times the baggage rate, subject to maximum class limits. These limits, including the free limit, are 150 kg for First Class AC, 100 kg for First Class/Double Decker AC, 80 kg for Sleeper Class and 70 kg for Second Class. For AC 3-decker car and AC Chair car, excess baggage reservation is not allowed as the free limit and the maximum allowable limit are the same.

Officials have warned that passengers who are found to be carrying unbooked or partially booked baggage in excess of the permitted limits during the journey or at the destination will have to pay fines.

Baggage size limit

The railways have also prescribed size limits for luggage carried in coaches. For AC Chair Car and AC 3-tier, the maximum allowed dimensions are 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm. For AC First Class, AC 2-tier, Sleeper Class and General Class, the limit is 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. Oversized luggage may be refused entry into the compartment and must instead be booked in the baggage or parcel car of the train.

Officials said parcel bookings are also subject to weight limits. Passengers holding AC or First Class tickets can book up to 500 kg of non-household goods and 1,000 kg of household goods, while passengers in non-AC classes can book up to 300 kg of household goods and 500 kg of household goods.

Baggage charges vary depending on the distance traveled, the train transport and the weight of the shipment. The minimum charge is ₹30, calculated in slabs of 10 kg and the minimum distance is 50 km, officials added.

Published – 22 Jul 2026 19:38 IST