Master Guide to Bike Transport by Train

Indian Railways Parcel Service

• Cost: Low Railway Freight (₹1,500 – ₹3,500)
• Requires manual transport to railway parcel counter
• Basic gunny cloth / burlap bag packing
• Strict petrol draining (fine up to ₹1,000 if violated)
• Self-arranged station pickup & wharfage risks

Shree Ashirwad Enclosed Road Transport

• Cost: All-inclusive competitive rate (₹2,500 – ₹5,500)
• 100% Doorstep pickup from residence
• 7-Layer bubble, foam & corrugated wrapping
• No petrol draining hassle (5L fuel permitted)
• Direct home delivery with 100% transit insurance

Step 1: Document Preparation & Photocopies

Prepare original vehicle RC, insurance policy, and ID proof along with 2 photocopy sets.

Step 2: Petrol Tank Draining & Inspection

Ride bike to station with minimal fuel, drain remaining petrol completely into container, and allow parcel inspector check.

Step 3: Station Gunny Cloth Packing & Marker Stenciling

Hire station packers to wrap bike in gunny cloth padding; paint origin station, destination station, and RR booking number on cloth.

Step 4: Parcel Counter Booking & RR Receipt Payment

Submit parcel forwarding form at counter, pay railway freight charges, and collect original Railway Receipt (RR).

Step 5: Destination Parcel Office Release

Present original RR copy and ID at target station parcel office upon train arrival, inspect bike, and complete gate pass sign-off.

Q1: What is the difference between booking a bike as Railway Parcel vs Railway Luggage?

Railway Luggage booking requires you to hold a valid confirmed passenger train ticket on the same train (bike travels in the SLR luggage van). Railway Parcel booking allows you to ship your bike independently on any available train without travelling yourself.

Q2: What documents are required to book a motorcycle in Indian Railways?

You must present original Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), valid insurance copy, government ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID), and clear photocopy sets for railway parcel office records.

Q3: What is the penalty if petrol is left in the bike tank during railway transport?

Indian Railways strictly prohibits carrying fuel inside luggage vans under Section 164 of the Railways Act. Leaving petrol in the tank attracts a fine up to ₹1,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years.

Q4: How much does Indian Railways charge for bike transport?

Railway freight charges depend on distance and vehicle engine displacement (cc), typically ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500, plus station gunny cloth packing charges (₹300 – ₹600) and railway porter fees.

Q5: Why choose Shree Ashirwad door-to-door enclosed road transport over railway parcel shipping?

Shree Ashirwad handles 100% doorstep pickup and delivery, premium 7-layer bubble wrapping, full transit insurance, zero fuel draining hassle, and eliminates long queues at chaotic railway parcel counters.

Q6: How early must I reach the railway station parcel office before train departure?

For Luggage booking, bring your bike to the parcel office at least 3 to 4 hours before scheduled departure. For Parcel booking, deliver the bike during official parcel office hours (usually 10 AM to 5 PM).

Q7: What is a Railway Receipt (RR) and why is it crucial?

The Railway Receipt (RR) is the official legal document issued upon parcel payment. The receiver must present the original RR at the destination station parcel office to claim and unload the motorcycle.

Q8: Who packages the motorcycle at the railway parcel office?

Licensed station porters (licensed packers) handle gunny bag and straw wrapping at parcel counters for an extra charge of ₹300 to ₹600. Professional movers provide far superior 7-layer bubble film armor.

Q9: What happens if a bike is not collected immediately at the destination railway station?

Indian Railways allows a free demurrage window (typically 6 hours). After this period, hourly demurrage or demurrage/wharfage storage charges accumulate until the bike is collected.

Q10: Are motorcycles insured against transit damage during railway transport?

Basic railway parcel booking includes limited carrier liability unless you declare vehicle value and pay optional 1% declared value insurance fees. Shree Ashirwad includes comprehensive 100% transit insurance cover standard.