Indian Railways will now levy hefty penalties to travellers for carrying luggage exceeding the permissible limit. If you are caught carrying excess luggage without booking the same, you will have to shell out six times more than the standard rates.

According to the rules, the passengers can carry heavy luggage - ranging from 40 kg to 70 kg - in the train compartment, depending on the class they are travelling in. If there is extra baggage, the passenger may have to pay additional charges. The minimum charge for luggage is Rs 30.

The Indian Railways has fixed the luggage rates according to the coach you travel in. If you are travelling in AC first class, you can carry luggage up to 70 kgs; for AC 2-Tier, it is 50 kg; and for AC 3-tier, it is 40 kg. The limit is up to 40 kgs and 35 kgs for the second class for the sleeper class.

The passenger should present the luggage at the luggage office of the booking station at least 30 minutes before the departure time. You can also book the luggage in advance while booking tickets. The Railways Ministry has urged people to travel with minimum required luggage.