There was news that there is a preparation to charge passengers on carrying more goods than fixed weight during the journey by rail. But Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has cleared the situation on this. Vaishnav has said that there is no preparation to charge more fare from railway passengers like air passengers on extra luggage. The earlier report said that Prayagraj Mandal of North Central Railway has prepared to put charge on goods worth more than fixed weight for passengers. Also, like airports, preparations are being made to install machines at every entry and exit point at railway stations and to check all kinds of goods.
The report said that this is being done to ensure safety of railway passengers and to curb transportation of drugs such as unwanted goods. But the Railway Minister has clearly stated in an interview with a media house that the rules have been for decades about how much passengers can take goods with them during the railway journey. Rail passengers have been carrying additional goods with them for years. There is no new rule that now the passenger will have to pay extra money if there is more goods than the limit.
There was a report to tag the goods even in rail travel
The earlier report said that on the lines of airports, the goods will also be tagged in terms of rail travel. Also, passengers will be asked to book goods worth more than fixed weight at the rate of parcel. For example, it will be allowed to carry weight of up to 70 kg in AC First Class. More than this, goods will be considered a parcel and charge will be charged. Similarly, it will be allowed to carry 50 kg for AC second class, 40 kg for AC three and sleeper class and up to 30 kg for general class without any charge.
The report said that the scheme would be implemented in a phased manner. It can be implemented in the first phase at Prayagraj and Chhiwki Junction of Prayagraj division by October-November. Later will be applied to other stations.