Rail Passengers Get Big Relief: Book Excess Baggage Online Like Airlines, Avoid Parcel Counter Queues
Raipur: Indian Railways has introduced an airline-style online excess baggage booking facility, allowing passengers with confirmed reserved tickets to book and pay for extra luggage online while reserving their journey or even after ticket booking. The move eliminates the need to visit parcel booking counters separately.
According to the Railway Board, the new guidelines came into effect on July 31, 2026. Passengers can declare and pay for additional luggage through the IRCTC website or the Railways’ Parcel Management System (PMS) portal.
The facility is available only for passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets in AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, First Class, Sleeper Class, and Second Class.
Free Baggage Allowance
- AC First Class: 70 kg free, up to 150 kg allowed with additional charges.
- AC 2-Tier & First Class: 50 kg free, up to 100 kg with extra payment.
- Sleeper Class: 40 kg free, up to 80 kg on payment.
- Second Class: 35 kg free, up to 70 kg with applicable charges.
The Railway Board clarified that the online excess baggage facility is not available for passengers travelling in AC 3-Tier, AC 3-Tier Economy, and AC Chair Car, as both the free baggage allowance and the maximum permissible limit in these classes are fixed at 40 kg.
Maximum Luggage Size
The Railways has also prescribed maximum luggage dimensions:
- AC 3-Tier, AC 3-Tier Economy & AC Chair Car: 55 cm × 45 cm × 22.5 cm
- AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, Sleeper Class & General Class: 100 cm × 60 cm × 25 cm
Minimum Charge ₹30
Passengers can avail the facility during ticket booking or after reservation by declaring their excess baggage online and making an electronic payment. The minimum booking charge has been fixed at ₹30.
Penalty for Undeclared Excess Baggage
The Railway Board has warned that passengers carrying excess baggage without prior booking may be charged a penalty of up to six times the normal luggage rate.
