The Indian railways has decided to act tough against those carrying baggage in excess of the stipulated weight set by the railways, Economic Times has reported.

According to the rules, sleeper class passengers can carry up to 40 kg without payment while second class travellers can carry up to 35 kg without a fee. An upper limit of 80 kg and 70 kg respectively is applicable if the luggage is booked by paying the requisite charges at the parcel office. The baggage should also be within the 100cm x 60cm x 25cm (LxBxH) dimensions set by the carrier.

Henceforth a six-times penalty will be levied if passengers are found carrying baggage in excess of these stipulations. While the penalty rule is not new, enforcement will be made more stringent from now on, railway officials said.

According to the officials, "The rules were already in place, we are just enforcing them strictly now. If a passenger is found travelling with un-booked luggage weighing more than the free allowance, the excess weight will be charged six times the luggage rate."

The railways plans to check travellers’ baggage randomly, unlike in airports where baggage is weighed as per due process. Having begun on 1 June, the drive to enforce the rule is on-going.