Indian Railways has launched an online personal luggage booking service for passengers travelling on confirmed train tickets, effective July 31. The proposal is intended to make luggage booking more accessible while simplifying the existing parcel booking process. Read on to know more.
Indian Railways To Allow Online Luggage Booking On Train Tickets
According to a Railway Board letter dated July 20, 2026, all zonal railways have been directed to set up the facility, allowing confirmed passengers to book personal luggage up to the required weight limit for carriage inside assigned compartments.
The decision is followed by an earlier directive issued on March 7, 2025, which acknowledged the online booking system in principle. The Railway Board has now confirmed its implementation from July 31, 2026. As per the guidelines, passengers travelling in AC 3-Tier (3AC), AC 3 Economy (3E), and AC Chair Car (CC) will not be able to book extra luggage since the free luggage allowance and the maximum permissible limit are the same in these classes. However, if the free limit itself is chargeable under special circumstances, booking will be permitted.
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Passengers To Be Shown Class-Wise Luggage Limit
As per reports by News18, during the booking process, travellers will also be shown class-wise luggage limits, the list of prohibited items, maximum permissible weight, and penalties for carrying excess luggage beyond the specified limit.
Under current Railway Board rules, the free carry-on luggage allowance is 70 kg in First AC, 50 kg in First Class and Second AC, 40 kg in Third AC, AC Chair Car and Sleeper Class, and 35 kg in Second Class. In eligible classes, passengers can carry luggage beyond the free allowance up to the maximum permitted limit by paying 1.5 times the applicable luggage rate.
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Railway rules also clarify that trunks, suitcases, and boxes measuring up to 100 cm × 60 cm × 25 cm can be carried inside passenger berths. Any luggage that exceeds these dimensions must be booked separately and transported in the brake van. In addition to this, merchandise and commercial goods are not allowed to be booked as personal luggage inside reserved coaches.
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FAQs
Who is the current CEO of Railways?
The current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Indian Railways Ministry of Railways Railway Board is Satish Kumar.
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Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw is an Indian politician who is currently serves as India's Minister of Railways.
What is the free allowance for luggage in railway?
The free luggage allowance on Indian Railways varies by travel class, allowing passengers to carry between 35 kg and 70 kg free of charge in their compartments.