No fine on excess baggage: Railways drops 'awareness' order
Days after it announced passengers will be penalized for carrying more luggage than allowed, the Railways shelved the order, saying it was only meant to create awareness. The order warned passengers would be charged for excess baggage, with fines going upto six times the stipulated penalty, a move that garnered widespread criticism. Spokesman Rajesh Bajpayee has now said it was a special education-cum-awareness drive.
Drive meant to educate people, says Railways spokesperson
The drive that was launched on June 1 was meant to make people aware about free baggage allowance, Bajpayee said. "It was felt that in the heavy summer rush, passengers carrying excess luggage cause much inconvenience to others," Bajpayee added. The rule actually is three-decades-old. Officials said unlike airports, where each passengers' luggage is checked, Railways will randomly check travellers for baggage weight.
How much luggage are you actually allowed to carry
A passenger of second class can carry luggage weighing 35 kg, without paying extra money. By paying a fee at the parcel office, they can carry luggage weighing 70 kg. An AC 3-tier passenger can carry 40 kg for free, and 80 kg by paying extra. For AC 2-tier, passengers are allowed to carry 50 kg luggage free and 100 kg after a fee.
The looming question: Will passengers stay aware?
The order, if enforced, would have kept a check on even trunk size. Earlier, an official from Railways had said, "The move is to ensure passenger convenience and address the issue of cramped compartments." But now that Railways have rolled back the order, the question is - will passengers follow rules or keep carrying heavy luggage on trips?
