Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Assures Passengers: No Airline-Like Extra Luggage Rules in Railways. No Extra Fare or Fine Will Be Levied. Special Trains Will Be Operated for Diwali-Chhath for Convenience.
New Delhi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified regarding recent floating news for Indian Railways passengers that no additional fine or fare will be charged on passengers' extra luggage. In a conversation with the media, he stated that the rules that have been in place for decades will continue, and no new airline-like rules have been created.
Refutation of False News Regarding Passengers
A few days ago, news surfaced that Indian Railways was preparing to charge extra fares based on the weight of luggage, similar to airline passengers. Under this, extra charges would be levied on luggage exceeding the prescribed limit, and all bags would be checked for weight and size via electronic luggage machines.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw completely dismissed this news. He said that railways already has fixed rules regarding how much weight of luggage can be carried free of charge. This does not mean that more fare will be charged on luggage exceeding the prescribed limit.
No Airline-Like Rules in Railways
A report from the Ministry of Railways stated that luggage up to 70 kg in First Class AC, 50 kg in AC Second Class, 40 kg in Third AC and Sleeper Class, and 35 kg on a General ticket can be carried without extra fare. An additional allowance of only 10 kg will be permitted above this limit, after which the bag will need to be booked in advance.
However, the Railway Minister clarified that no such new rule has been implemented and that an airline-like procedure will not be adopted in the railways. Passengers will not have to pay any fine or additional charges for their luggage.
Luggage Weight and Size Will Not Be Checked at the Station
Earlier, reports had surfaced that railway stations would check the weight and size of passengers' bags with electronic machines like in airports, and fines would be imposed for exceeding the prescribed limit. The Railway Minister completely rejected this and said that there is no such rule in the railways. Passengers will not have any additional trouble regarding their luggage.
Clarification on Diwali-Chhath and Election-Related Allegations
During the interview, the Railway Minister also spoke about the allegations regarding train operations in view of the elections in Bihar and Maharashtra. He said that millions of people go home during major festivals like Diwali and Chhath. Last year, seven thousand special trains were operated. Special trains were also arranged on occasions like Mahakumbh and Ganpati festival.
