GUWAHATI, May 8 - In view of the rising number of incidents where commuters have been penalised for carrying un-booked or partially booked luggage, Maligaon-headquartered Northeast Frontier Railway has asked train passengers to follow the rules with regard to carrying of luggage and accessories while travelling.
NF Railway PRO Nripen Bhattacharya said that there have been numerous instances when, during checking, passengers were found to be carrying excess luggage with them in the compartment, beyond the free allowance, or travelling with un-booked or partially booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance.
�Such incidents lead not only to problems for the passengers but the railway authorities are also duty-bound to follow the rule and penalise such commuters. So, it is better if passengers know the rules with regard to luggage and adhere to them,� said Bhattacharya.
As per the rules, passengers in AC First Class are allowed to carry a maximum quantity of luggage weighing 150 kg, including 70 kg of free allowance and 15 kg of marginal allowance. For AC Two Tier, the maximum quantity allowed is 100 kg, including 50 kg free allowance and 10 kg marginal allowance.
AC Three Tier Sleeper and AC Chair Car passengers are allowed to carry a maximum quantity of 40 kg, and while the maximum for Sleeper Class is 80 kg, for the Second Class passengers it is 70 kg.
�The maximum limit includes free allowance. Passengers are allowed to book and carry excess luggage beyond the free allowance with them in the compartment up to the maximum limit as per class on payment of charge at 1.5 times the luggage rate,� Bhattacharya said.
He added, �When a passenger is detected either en route or at the destination with un-booked or partially booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance, the excess un-booked weight exceeding free allowance of luggage is charged at six times the luggage rate.�
However, if un-booked or partially booked luggage is found to be more than the free allowance of the luggage but within the marginal allowance, it is charged at 1.5 times the luggage rate.
When a passenger is detected either en route or at destination with un-booked or partially booked luggage weighing more than the maximum limit permitted, the excess weight exceeding free allowance of luggage is charged at six times the luggage rate subject to a minimum of Rs 50.
�Luggage beyond the stipulated quantity can be booked in advance and carried in brake van. If luggage marginally exceeds the free allowance, the passenger will be charged at the normal luggage rates applicable to his or her class of travel. If it is above the marginal allowance, penalty will be charged if detected. Passengers should make sure to book their excess luggage in the luggage office, pay the prescribed charges and get their tickets endorsed by cross-referencing the luggage ticket details before commencing their journey,� said the NF Railway PRO.
