Railways is bringing luggage policy like air travel: Indian rail travel is now moving towards a big change. Till now, you must have seen that passengers used to board the train with big bags, boxes, and lots of luggage. But soon this scene will change. Railways are now going to implement strict baggage rules like airplanes.
According to the new system, every passenger will be allowed to carry luggage only up to the prescribed limit. If the weight or size exceeds this limit, then the passengers will have to pay extra charges or a fine. For this, electronic weight machines and scanners will be installed at the railway station. As soon as the bags pass through the machine, it will be known immediately whether the luggage is within the prescribed limit or not. If there is more weight, the machine will issue a receipt for the extra charge, and the passenger will have to pay that amount.
Airport-like atmosphere at the station
To improve the experience of passengers, Railways is not only changing the luggage policy, but is also preparing to modernize the entire atmosphere of the station. In the coming days, the stations will be full of branded shops.
Tenders will be issued for luxurious shops ranging from clothes to travel gear and electronic items. These shops will provide shopping facilities to passengers and will also generate additional revenue for the railways. Experts believe that stations will no longer be just a place to catch trains, but will become a centre of modern experience for passengers, just like airports.
Category-wise baggage limit
Under the new policy, a limit on luggage has been fixed for each class. Passengers traveling in general coaches will be allowed to carry a maximum of 35 kg of luggage. If two people are traveling together, this limit will be doubled to 70 kg.
For sleeper and third AC passengers, this limit has been fixed at 40 kg per person. In the second AC, this limit will increase to 50 kg. At the same time, those traveling in first AC will be allowed to carry up to 70 kg of luggage.
The seating arrangement of the station and coaches has been kept in mind while setting these limits. There is less space in the general compartment, so the limit there has been kept the lowest. The pattern of sleeper and third AC is the same, so the luggage limit is the same in both. There are fewer seats in the second AC, so the permission is a little more. Whereas, due to the availability of sufficient space in the first AC, passengers will get the facility to carry the most luggage.
It will start from Prayagraj
Railway officials say that this new system will first start from the Prayagraj zone. After its success, it will be gradually implemented across the country.
Initially, passengers may find this change difficult, because for decades there has been a habit of carrying heavy luggage in the train without any restriction. But the railways believe that this step will reduce the crowd in the coach, increase cleanliness and convenience, and make the journey more comfortable.
The experience of Indian Railways will change
Indian Railways is not just a means of transport, but an experience related to the emotions of crores of people. Now that the luggage limit will be fixed like that of an airplane and the stations are equipped with modern facilities like airports, passengers will get a new experience.
This step will not only modernise the railways but will also make the passengers responsible. Now everyone will have to pack carefully before travelling. This change is being considered a historic step, taking the Indian Railways towards the future.