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If you often travel by train and take more luggage than you need, then this is bad news for you! Now, India has announced that passengers will have to pay an additional fee for their rail journeys if they exceed the prescribed luggage limit. Just like for air travel, the luggage rules for rail travel are now becoming more stringent. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared these important points in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. Replying to questions related to luggage limits for rail travel, the minister explained that passengers already have a fixed free luggage allowance based on their class, and taking more than that will incur a charge. As for airlines, the free baggage allowance limits vary depending on the airline and the flight route. Domestic flights generally allow 15 kg of check-in baggage and 7 kg of hand luggage. However, international flights are allowed 23 to 25 kg or two bags (each weighing 23 kg). As per railway rules, each passenger is allowed a free baggage allowance of up to a certain weight depending on their class of travel. Still, there is a limit. Excess baggage is subject to charges. However, carrying more than this is considered a violation of the rules. Second class passengers are allowed to carry 35 kg of luggage free of charge. In excess of this, passengers can carry 70 kg. However, they are charged a fee. However, sleeper class passengers are allowed a little more. They can carry 40 kg of luggage without any extra charge. If required, they can carry 80 kg of luggage. However, this too will incur an additional charge. If you travel in AC 3-tier or chair car, the rules are stricter. In these classes, passengers are allowed to carry only 40 kilograms of luggage, which is the maximum limit. This means that carrying this much weight in AC coaches is not permissible as per the rules. Indian Railways feels that excess luggage not only compromises the comfort of the passengers but also creates security and sanitation issues. Bulky luggage hampers the movement of the coach. It increases the risk. Therefore, the railways has now decided to implement the luggage rules strictly. If you are planning a train journey, check whether your luggage is within the limit. If you have excess luggage, book it in advance. Or be prepared to pay extra. A little caution during your journey will save you from any inconvenience.