During the ticket booking process on the IRCTC portal, travelers will have the option to declare and book any luggage that exceeds the free baggage allowance. Previously, passengers had to visit the parcel office at the railway station to arrange for excess luggage.
The online platform will provide details such as class-wise free luggage allowances, maximum weight limits, prohibited items, applicable fees, and penalty regulations ahead of the journey.
How to book your luggage online
Visit the website at www.parcel.indianrail.gov.in.
Register and log in to the portal.
Input the origin and destination railway stations.
Choose your train from the suggested options.
Fill out the booking form (Forwarding Note) with the parcel information.
The system will display the estimated freight charges.
Submit the online Forwarding Note.
Print the e-Forwarding Note and drop off the parcel at the parcel office (godown) at the originating station.
Railway personnel will weigh the parcel and determine the final freight charges.
Pay the freight charges and obtain the Railway Receipt (RR).
You can track your parcel online using the Track & Trace feature.
An SMS will be sent to you once the parcel arrives at the destination station.
Present the original Railway Receipt (RR) at the destination station to collect your parcel.
How much luggage can you carry?
Passengers in AC First Class can carry up to 70 kg of luggage free of charge, with a maximum limit of 150 kg upon paying additional fees. Those in First Class and AC 2-Tier are allowed 50 kg free, with a maximum of 100 kg.
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Sleeper Class passengers may bring 40 kg free, with the option to carry up to 80 kg for an excess charge. For Second Class travelers, the allowance is 35 kg free, while the maximum weight permissible is 70 kg.
Passengers in AC 3-Tier and AC Chair Car can carry 40 kg of luggage; however, since the free allowance and maximum limit are equivalent, excess luggage cannot be booked in these categories.
Luggage size
The Railways have also set size limitations for bags allowed inside coaches.
AC 3-Tier and AC Chair Car: Maximum dimensions are 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm
AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, Sleeper, and General Class: Maximum dimensions are 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm
Luggage charges calculation
If your luggage exceeds the free allowance, you will incur a charge of 1.5 times the standard luggage rate. The minimum fare for luggage is ₹30, calculated in 10 kg increments, with the minimum distance applicable set at 50 km.
