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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Railways to go airport mode: Luggage to be weighed at stations, fines for oversize bags soon
Synopsis Indian Railways will enforce strict baggage rules, requiring passengers to weigh luggage at select stations, with excess weight or bulky items incurring penalties. Baggage limits will vary by class. Redeveloped stations like Prayagraj Junction will feature premium retail outlets and airport-like amenities. From Dec 2026, only ticketed passengers may access terminal areas, mirroring air travel protocols. PTI The Indian Railways is set to implement strict baggage regulations for train passengers, closely mirroring the practices followed in air travel, said a TOI report. As per proposed rules, travellers will be required to pass their luggage through electronic weighing machines at key railway stations, with permissible weight limits strictly enforced. Those carrying baggage beyond the allowed limit or luggage that is too bulky despite being underweight will be subject to additional charges or Railways plans to roll out premium single-brand stores at revamped stations, offering products like clothing, footwear, electronics, and travel accessories. An official said the initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience, generate additional revenue, and give stations a modern, airport-style allowances differ by travel class—70 kg for AC First Class, 50 kg for AC Two Tier, 40 kg for AC Three Tier and Sleeper Class, and 35 kg for General Class. Oversized luggage that disrupts onboard space may incur penalties, even if within weight limits."The move is aimed at ensuring a more efficient and comfortable travel experience, especially for passengers on long-distance routes," said senior divisional commercial manager (DCM) Himanshu Shukla of the Prayagraj division of NCR. The initial rollout will cover major stations under the NCR zone, including Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, Subedarganj, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur, Tundla, Aligarh Junction, Govindpuri and at these stations will only be allowed access to the platforms after their baggage has been weighed and cleared within the prescribed limits, said Junction is undergoing a massive redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an investment of Rs 960 crore. The project is set to transform the station into a model rail hub, featuring a nine-storey structure equipped with world-class amenities. Facilities will include spacious waiting lounges, high-speed Wi-Fi, solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, automated ticket vending machines and digital information Dec 2026, access to the terminal area will be permitted only to passengers with a valid train ticket, which will function as a "boarding pass" — like airports. Non-travellers will need a platform ticket, which will now act as a "visitor pass".Prayagraj Junction's transformation is especially significant considering the massive footfall expected during the upcoming Kumbh and Maha Kumbh festivals. To manage this efficiently, the station will follow a seven Core Service (CS) concept to streamline arrival and departure traffic. The new infrastructure will also be divyang-friendly, culturally integrated and designed as a green building powered by solar energy."Once completed, Prayagraj Junction is set to become a model for station redevelopment, with Kanpur and Gwalior among those expected to follow in its footsteps," said Shukla. (With TOI inputs)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Railways to go the airport way; regulate baggage weight, size
Prayagraj: The Indian Railways is set to implement strict baggage regulations for train passengers, closely mirroring the practices followed in air travel. As per proposed rules, travellers will be required to pass their luggage through electronic weighing machines at key railway stations, with permissible weight limits strictly enforced. Those carrying baggage beyond the allowed limit or luggage that is too bulky despite being underweight will be subject to additional charges or penalties. The Indian Railways is also introducing premium single-brand outlets at redeveloped stations. These outlets, selling apparel, footwear, electronics, travel gear and more, are expected to boost both passenger convenience and railway revenue while lending stations a more contemporary, airport-like feel, said an official. The permissible baggage limits vary by class in trains as AC First Class passengers are allowed up to 70 kg, AC Two Tier up to 50 kg while AC Three Tier and Sleeper Class are permitted 40 kg. General Class travellers will be restricted to 35 kg. Oversized bags that obstruct onboard space may also attract penalties, regardless of their weight. "The move is aimed at ensuring a more efficient and comfortable travel experience, especially for passengers on long-distance routes," said senior divisional commercial manager (DCM) Himanshu Shukla of the Prayagraj division of NCR. The initial rollout will cover major stations under the NCR zone, including Prayagraj Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki, Subedarganj, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur, Tundla, Aligarh Junction, Govindpuri and Etawah. Passengers at these stations will only be allowed access to the platforms after their baggage has been weighed and cleared within the prescribed limits, said Shukla. Prayagraj Junction is undergoing a massive redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with an investment of Rs 960 crore. The project is set to transform the station into a model rail hub, featuring a nine-storey structure equipped with world-class amenities. Facilities will include spacious waiting lounges, high-speed Wi-Fi, solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, automated ticket vending machines and digital information displays. From Dec 2026, access to the terminal area will be permitted only to passengers with a valid train ticket, which will function as a "boarding pass" — like airports. Non-travellers will need a platform ticket, which will now act as a "visitor pass". Prayagraj Junction's transformation is especially significant considering the massive footfall expected during the upcoming Kumbh and Maha Kumbh festivals. To manage this efficiently, the station will follow a seven Core Service (CS) concept to streamline arrival and departure traffic. The new infrastructure will also be divyang-friendly, culturally integrated and designed as a green building powered by solar energy. "Once completed, Prayagraj Junction is set to become a model for station redevelopment, with Kanpur and Gwalior among those expected to follow in its footsteps," said Shukla. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Railways may hike passenger fare, to earn Rs 700 cr more in FY26
In a bid to boost its revenue from the passenger segment, the Ministry of Railways is likely to increase the fares for AC Classes, Sleeper Class and Second Class. There will be no increase in suburban fares and monthly season tickets, it is learnt. The new rates will likely come into effect July 1, sources said. 'The matter is under consideration at the higher level and a notification may be issued by the government soon. For AC Classes, there may be an increase of two paisa per km, one paisa per km for Non-AC (Mail/Express), which is Sleeper Class, and half paisa per km for Second Class (General Class) for distances more than 500 km,' said a source. Going by the Railways' projection of passenger kilometres (PKM), the likely hike starting July would generate an additional revenue of around `700 crore for the remaining period of the current financial year 2025-26. For a complete FY26, the additional revenue generated would have been more than `920 crore. According to the Railways, the total projected revenue from the passenger segment for FY26 is `92,800 crore, on the expectations of an increase in passenger numbers. In FY25, when over 736 crore travelled by trains, the total passenger revenue was `75,215 crore. The Railways generates nearly 65% of its total revenue from transportation of freight. The passenger segment contributes almost 30%, and the rest is from sundry sources. In the passenger segment, premium AC Classes — such as AC First Class, AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, and AC Chair Car — contribute almost 54% of total passenger revenues. But in terms of number of passengers, AC Classes account for only 4.8% of the total, while Sleeper and General Classes together carry almost 37 per cent. Suburban trains account for a whopping 57% of passengers. The last revision in passenger fares happened in January 2020, when the Ministry increased the fare of Non-AC class (Mail/ Express), also known as Sleeper Class, by two paisa per km and of AC Classes by four paisa per km. There was no increase in suburban fare up to 80 km, or season tickets. The suburban section fare was further rationalised in May 2022, when the single journey basic fare of AC EMU (air conditioned electric multiple unit, a type of train used in suburban railway networks such as Mumbai) was reduced by 50%. The single journey basic fare of First Class was also cut by 41-49%. In December 2024, the Standing Committee on Railways recommended the Indian Railways review the revenue from the AC Classes and align it with the cost incurred to reduce losses in the overall passenger segment. The Railways has been heavily subsidising passenger services. According to a parliamentary committee report, the suburban services recover around 30% of costs and non-AC travel 39%, while AC travel generates only a marginal surplus of 3.5%. 'The Committee feel that to increase net revenues of Indian Railways, it is of prime importance to increase its earnings from passenger segment. The Committee are aware that Indian Railways are the main means of transport for crores of poor people and they have to incur losses on pricing fares below cost in wake of Social Service obligations. Committee feel that 'General class' travel must remain affordable for the masses but at the same time the Committee urge Indian Railways to review its revenues with regard to AC classes by aligning it with costs incurred to reduce losses in passenger segment,' said the committee. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
