Indian Railways Parcel Booking
Indian Railways is one of the largest transportation networks in the country. It not only provides transportation for passengers but also facilitates the safe delivery of goods known as the parcel service. It is used by everyone from small businesses, traders, ordinary citizens and farmers. Compared to other modes of transport the Railway Parcel Service is considered safe, affordable and delivers on time.
Types of Goods Allowed
Railway Parcel Service allows for various types of goods to be sent to any location. However certain conditions apply which are important to understand.
Items permitted for parcel service
- Clothing and household goods
- Agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits and grains.
- Clothing and household goods
- Motorcycles, scooters or bicycles subject to special tariffs and packing regulations
- Electronic goods such as TVs, refrigerators, computers etc with proper packaging
- Raw materials and business goods
Items prohibited for parcel service
- Flammable materials such as petrol, diesel, gas cylinders etc.
- Chemicals and explosives
- Valuable goods such as gold, silver, cash, etc.
- There is a separate livestock transportation rule for live animals.
Railway Parcel Booking Online Process
Railway parcel booking was previously only done at the station. However online parcel booking is now available, saving time and effort.
1- Visit the official website of IRCTC or Indian Railways
Railway parcel booking can now be done through the Parcel & Goods Booking Portal.
2- Login and Register
Log in to open an account or register a new account at https://parcel.indianrail.gov.in/ .
3- Fill in the booking details
- After opening your account enter the sender’s and recipient’s name, address and mobile number.
- Mention the item type, weight and packing details.
- Enter the destination station information.
4- Make an online payment
Use a debit credit card, UPI or net banking to make the payment.
5- Get a booking receipt.
- Upon successful payment you will receive an e-receipt or a parcel booking number, similar to a PNR number.
- You can use this number to track your item.
6- Railway Parcel Charges
Your railway parcel charges can be determined by several factors.
- Weight – The heavier your parcel the higher the charge.
- Distance – The distance to the destination station can also increase your parcel charges.
- Item type – Items like scooters, motorcycles, TVs and refrigerators incur higher charges.
- Packing – If your item is not packed as per railway regulations a separate packing charge may be levied.
For example, if you’re sending 50 kg of luggage from Mumbai to Delhi the charge may be around ₹15-25 per kg. However, sending a motorcycle can incur a hefty fee of ₹1,200-₹2,500.
Rules and Guidelines for Parcel Booking
If you are sending a railway parcel it is crucial to follow the guidelines and regulations.
- Proper packing is essential – Pack any items you’re sending via railway parcel securely otherwise the risk of damage in transit may increase.
- Documentation – The person sending the parcel must provide their Aadhaar card/PAN card.
- Timely delivery: Parcel delivery can sometimes be delayed due to weather or technical reasons.
- Tracking system – You can track your luggage’s location at all times using your booking number.
- Claim policy – If your luggage is lost or damaged compensation is available under the railway’s claim policy.
The parcel service on Indian Railways is considered a safe, affordable and reliable means of transporting goods across the country. It is used by everyone from small businesses, traders, ordinary citizens and farmers.
To send your goods via Indian Railways parcel service you need to follow the necessary documentation, packaging and shipping rules so you can easily book your parcel. Parcel service on Indian Railways has become even more convenient with online parcel booking.
FAQ- Related to Railway Parcel Booking
1. Is railway parcel booking available on IRCTC?
No, parcel booking is not yet available directly on the IRCTC website.
For this, you need to visit the parcel office at the railway station or use the Indian Railways Parcel Portal (parcel.indianrail.gov.in).
2. What documents are required for railway parcel booking?
You need to provide a photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID, along with a packing list of the items being sent.
For commercial goods, a GST invoice or bill is also required.
3. How are parcel charges calculated in Indian Railways?
Parcel charges depend on the weight, distance, and type of goods being transported.
Indian Railways provides a Parcel Tariff Calculator on its website to check the estimated charges.
4. Is there any minimum or maximum weight limit for railway parcels?
The minimum weight is usually 10 kilograms, and the maximum is around 150 kilograms per parcel package, but this may vary depending on the train and destination.
5. Can I send furniture or household goods by railway parcel?
Yes, you can send furniture, household items, and electronic goods through the railway parcel service, provided the items are properly packed and declared.
6. How can I track my railway parcel after booking?
You can track your parcel on parcel.indianrail.gov.in using the PWB (Parcel Way Bill) number provided at the time of booking.
7. What items are not allowed in railway parcel booking?
Indian Railways does not allow the transportation of flammable items, explosives, liquids, gas cylinders, valuable jewelry, cash, or fragile goods through the parcel service.