Railways enforce luggage weight rules at Lucknow Varanasi Ayodhya stations
The Indian Railways is preparing to strictly reintroduce luggage weight checks across 14 major stations in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Raebareli. The move, officials said, is designed to enhance passenger safety, reduce overloading, and bring uniformity in travel regulations, much like the protocols followed in the aviation sector.Under the rules, passengers in AC First Class are allowed to carry up to 70 kilograms of baggage, while those in AC Second Class may carry 50 kilograms.
Travellers in AC Three Tier and Sleeper Class are permitted 40 kilograms, and General Class passengers are allowed 35 kilograms. Anything above the prescribed limit will attract additional charges per kilogram, with fines reaching up to six times the booking fee if unpaid. Oversized baggage occupying undue space in coaches will also be penalised.Weighing machines are being installed at Lucknow, Lucknow Junction, Aishbagh, Ayodhya, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Barabanki, and Gonda, among others. Rail officials emphasised that the enforcement of the policy, suspended in 2018 and 2022 due to a lack of infrastructure, is being revived with improved systems in place.
The renewed drive is part of a broader railway reform aimed at balancing passenger convenience with operational safety.Experts suggest that stricter baggage control is crucial in light of increasing passenger volumes, particularly on routes connecting pilgrimage hubs such as Varanasi and Ayodhya. Overcrowding and unchecked luggage often contribute to delays, energy inefficiencies, and compromised comfort. The enforcement, they argue, will not only streamline operations but also align with the government’s long-term agenda of promoting sustainable and safe mobility.Railway porters, however, have voiced concerns. Labour representatives have sought improved working conditions, access to education, and healthcare for porters who play a vital role in handling passenger luggage. Their demands highlight the need to balance stricter enforcement with social equity in railway services.
The enforcement of baggage rules is expected to change passenger behaviour significantly. With potential fines looming, travellers will be encouraged to pack within limits, a shift that could indirectly promote eco-friendly practices by reducing excess material and energy use. Officials maintained that the initiative is not punitive but intended to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable travel environment for millions of daily commuters.As Indian Railways pushes towards modernisation, such measures underline its attempt to match global standards of transport management, ensuring both safety and sustainability remain at the core of its growth.
