Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
In a major relief for train passengers carrying extra baggage, Indian Railways has introduced an online booking facility for personal luggage carried inside reserved coaches.
Until now, passengers travelling with luggage beyond the free allowance had to visit parcel offices and stand in long queues to book their baggage. With the new system, the booking process is expected to become faster, easier, and more convenient.
According to the new arrangement, passengers can book personal luggage online if they are carrying it with them in a reserved coach. The Railway Board had issued instructions to all zonal railways on 20 July 2026 to implement the facility.
The online luggage booking service becomes available from 31 July 2026. However, the facility is only for passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets and travelling with their luggage in the same reserved coach. Passengers with RAC or waiting-list tickets are not eligible for the service at present.
Indian Railways has clarified that the existing free luggage allowance remains unchanged:
First AC: up to 70 kg
Second AC: up to 50 kg
Third AC and Sleeper: up to 40 kg
General and Second Class: up to 35 kg
If a passenger carries luggage exceeding the free limit, the additional baggage can still be booked under railway rules. In such cases, passengers will have to pay 1.5 times the applicable luggage rate for carrying the excess baggage in the coach.
Passengers can make online luggage bookings through the official Indian Railways parcel portal: parcel.indianrail.gov.in .
Railway officials believe the move will reduce crowding at parcel offices and provide a more passenger-friendly experience for travellers carrying extra luggage.
