In the realm of Indian Railways, a decree stands firm, poised to levy a fine on baggage that dares exceed the stipulated maximum weight allotted to a passenger. Yet, ironically, the majority of stations find themselves devoid of the crucial apparatus: weighing machines. This void paves the way for numerous transgressors to sidestep thorough scrutiny.
“The personnel, stationed both at terminals and aboard trains, conduct sporadic inspections,” divulged Shivaji Maruti Sutar, the astute Director (P&I) of the esteemed Railway Board, in an exclusive exchange.
“It proves a Herculean task to scrutinize each and every piece of luggage, considering the sheer influx of passengers during peak hours. Were we to embark on such an endeavor, it would culminate in a scene of pandemonium at the inspection sites,” Sutar elaborated, his voice a measured cadence of authority.
In a similar vein, Dr. Swapnil Nila, the erudite Chief Public Relations Officer at Central Railway, expounded on the mechanics of luggage inspection, revealing, “Within the Central Railway domain, a contraption to measure passenger luggage remains a conspicuous absence.”
When pressed about the method employed to pinpoint overweight baggage, Nila intimated, “The vigilant inspectors rely on keen observation, gauging the heft of a traveler’s belongings with a discerning eye. Subsequently, the suspected luggage is escorted to a secluded parcel area, nestled at the farthest end of the platform, where its veritable weight is ascertained.”
Echoing these sentiments, Prem Shankar Jha, the articulate PRO of the revered Delhi Division, attested, “Regrettably, the apparatus to gauge passenger luggage remains an elusive commodity at our stations. Given the constant influx of travelers via rail, replicating the stringent checks akin to those at airports proves a logistical challenge.”
Per the tenets of luggage protocol, trunks, suitcases, and boxes, each boasting external dimensions of 100 cms X 60 cms X 25 cms (length x breadth x height), enjoy passage within passenger compartments as personal effects. Should these items transgress the prescribed dimensions, they are necessitated to be formally booked and relegated to the brake van, incurring a minimum fee of Rs 30.
The parameters for luggage allowance delineate a clear framework:
AC First Class: 70kg free allowance, with an additional 15kg marginal allowance, culminating in a maximum permissible quantity of 150kgs (inclusive of free allowance).
AC 2-Tier Sleeper/First Class: 50kg free allowance, coupled with 10kgs of marginal allowance, and a maximum quantity permitted of 100kgs (inclusive of free allowance).
AC 3-Tier Sleeper/AC Chair Car: 40kgs free allowance, supplemented by 10kgs of marginal allowance, and a maximum permissible quantity of 40kgs (inclusive of free allowance).
Sleeper Class: 40kgs free allowance, with an added 10kgs of marginal allowance, culminating in a maximum permissible quantity of 80kgs (inclusive of free allowance).
Second Class: 35kgs free allowance, with an additional 10kgs of marginal allowance, and a maximum permissible quantity of 70kgs (inclusive of free allowance).
As per the tenets established by the Railways, passengers possess the liberty to book and convey excess baggage beyond the stipulated free allowance within their respective compartment classes, subject to payment of the prescribed charges levied for luggage.
Should a passenger find themselves ensnared at a station with unbooked or partially booked luggage, tipping the scales beyond the railway’s ordained maximum, the traveler is promptly subjected to a monetary penalty.
