We often discuss foods to eat on trains, meals served on trains, and the best foods available at railway stations. However, have you ever wondered which foods are actually allowed and which are prohibited on Indian trains? Today, we will clarify this topic and explain why there is a special exception for a particular food item enjoyed in almost every household. Read on for the details.
What Does the Government Rule Say?
According to the West Central Railway website, oily articles such as oil, ghee, and paints are generally not allowed. However, an exception permits ghee up to 20 kilograms, provided it is securely packed in a tin container. The website lists articles not accepted as luggage, as per IRCA Coaching Tariff No. 26, P-I, V-I, Rule No. 505. The list includes:
- Offensive Articles: Such as wet skin and leather. Exception: Wet skin booked on owner risk is accepted when packed in an airtight box.
- Dangerous, Explosive, and Inflammable Articles: Including empty gas cylinders. Exception: Safety cinema film, safety cartridges, and small oxygen cylinders for sick passengers are allowed. Empty gas cylinders can be carried in the brake van but not in the passenger compartment.
- Oily Articles: Such as oil, ghee, and paints. Exception: Ghee up to 20 kg, securely packed in a tin, is permitted with the passenger.
- Dry grass, dry leaves, and scrap papers.
- Acid and other corrosive substances mentioned in IRCA Red Tariff.
- Dead poultry or game.
- Mercantile goods or luggage.
Why Oily Items Are Not Allowed on Trains
According to experts and Indian Railways guidelines, oil-based substances like oil, paint, and ghee are considered sensitive items because leakage can create safety and hygiene issues inside coaches. Oil-based products can spill during travel, especially when trains move at high speeds, leading to damage of other passengers' belongings, slippery floors, and even fire hazards in certain situations. Passengers are advised to use leak-proof containers and avoid carrying loosely packed liquid or semi-liquid products.
What Does the Report Say?
According to an ETV Bharat report from 2023, these guidelines were issued following the Madurai train accident, in which nine people lost their lives. The train was carrying 65 tourists from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary investigations revealed that an illegal LPG cylinder on board the private coach had caused the fire.
What Else Does It Say?
In addition to the free allowance, certain articles normally used by passengers during the journey are allowed free without weighment. These articles vary by class of ticket:
- AC First Class and First Class Passengers: Tiffin basket including small ice boxes, small handbags or attaché cases (not suitcases), walking sticks, and umbrellas are allowed free and will not be weighed.
- Second Class Passengers: Walking sticks, umbrellas, and such articles of food as may be required on the journey are allowed free and will not be weighed.
Understanding these rules can help passengers avoid inconvenience and ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
