Indian Railways launches online excess luggage booking

Indian Railways has started allowing passengers to book and pay for excess luggage online while reserving their tickets, the railway ministry announced on Friday. The new digital service removes the need to visit a parcel office separately before boarding. Previously, travellers with baggage beyond the free allowance had to complete a separate process at railway parcel counters, often facing long queues and paperwork.

The facility is available only for passengers with confirmed tickets in classes where extra luggage is permitted: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, First Class, Sleeper Class and Second Class. Those in AC 3-Tier and AC Chair Car are not eligible because the maximum permissible baggage limit equals the free allowance. Under existing rules, AC First Class passengers get 70 kg free and can carry up to 150 kg after paying charges. AC 2-Tier and First Class allow 50 kg free and up to 100 kg total. Sleeper Class gets 40 kg free and up to 80 kg; Second Class gets 35 kg free and up to 70 kg. Size limits also apply: for most classes, luggage must not exceed 100 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm. AC 3-Tier and Chair Car passengers must keep bags within 55 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm.