Indian Railways offers the facility of transporting bikes from one station to another in a fast and cost-effective way. In this blog, we discuss the various methods of bike parcel in train and share some tips for a seamless experience.
Indian Railways offers a facility that enables individuals to transport their two-wheelers from one station to another. It is a very cost-efficient and popular way of transporting a bike in India.
Here are the two ways to transport a bike by train in India:
1. Sending Your Bike as a Parcel
If you are not travelling by train alongside the vehicle, you can have it booked as a parcel. Bike parcel in train is a slower method.
2. Booking Your Bike as Luggage
If you are a passenger in the same train and travelling to the same destination, you can book your bike as luggage.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Book your bike as a parcel with Indian Railways and pay the bike transport by train charges.
2. Submit documents at the Parcel Office.
3. Empty the entire fuel tank, get the bike properly packed and labelled.
4. Fill out the forwarding note for the bike parcel in train.
1. Book your bike as luggage on the train you are travelling on.
2. Arrive 30 mins before departure time.
3. Empty the fuel tank, get the bike properly packaged and labelled.
4. Produce the journey ticket at the time of booking.
5. Pay the charges, and get the luggage ticket/receipt.
For a bike parcel in train in India, you need to get adequate permission for the transport from the concerned railway authorities. You also need to properly register your bike as luggage or a parcel and pay the railway bike parcel charges.
The following is a list of documents required for the bike parcel in train in India:
1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
2. Valid Government ID (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
3. Train Ticket (if booking bike as luggage)
4. Additional documents (PUCC, bike insurance, etc.)
The train bike parcel charges in India vary depending on the distance, choice of booking, and vehicle weight. Usually, the railway bike parcel charges range between ₹200 and ₹5,000.
For example, here are the approximate train bike parcel charges for transporting a bike by train from SBC-Bangalore City Jn to DLI-Delhi Jn:
| From | To | Engine Capacity | Distance (approx.) | Chargeable weight | Scale | Net Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | DLI | 350cc or above | 2298 km | 375 kg | Standard | ₹1,059 |
| SBC | DLI | 350cc or above | 2298 km | 375 kg | Luggage | ₹3,809 |
Here are some important rules and guidelines for the bike parcel in train in India:
1. Booking: Booking your bike as a parcel or luggage is mandatory if you want to transport it by train.
2. Fuel tank: The fuel tanks must be completely drained out before the bike is packaged.
3. Packaging: The bike needs to be securely packaged before it is loaded on the train.
4. Documentation: Essential documents must be produced when booking and receiving delivery of the bike.
To ensure your bike is safely transported by train, here are some safety tips:
1. Take photos of the bike before it is packaged and loaded on the train to serve as evidence in case of damage claims.
2. Avoid electrical issues by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery.
3. For the bike parcel in train, ensure the vehicle is equipped with a solid, comprehensive bike insurance policy.
Bike insurance plays a critical role in the transportation of a two-wheeler by train. This is how it works:
1. Essential for booking: Without valid insurance, you won’t be able to book your bike for transport.
2. Coverage against transit damages: If your bike is damaged during loading or unloading or while in transit, comprehensive bike insurance can offer coverage against loss or damage.
To protect your bike against its own damage, including while in transit by rail, invest in a robust bike insurance plan. Rely on the industry expert, Jio Insurance Broking, to easily explore and compare plans from multiple providers in India. Get the best deals on policies and secure your preferred coverage in minutes.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when transporting your bike by train:
1. Don’t skimp out on packaging material. Use the right material to keep your bike protected.
2. Make sure not to lose the luggage receipt or Parcel Way Bill. Otherwise, you may face difficulties during the bike delivery.
Whether it's relocating or embarking on a memorable road trip, you can transport your vehicle to the desired destination by train. You can either send it as a parcel or book it as luggage. Just make sure to submit all documentation, get proper packaging and secure comprehensive bike insurance.
Delivery time depends on the destination, train schedule, and booking method. Bikes booked as luggage usually arrive on the same day as the passenger, while parcel bookings generally take between 2 and 7 days.
If your bike is damaged during transportation, you may be eligible to raise a claim with Indian Railways (subject to booking terms) or file a claim under your bike insurance policy if the damage is covered under your policy conditions.