[Sudheer Poppa]

I want to send a TV (21 inch) and computer (desktop) from Bangalore to Trivandrum in Kanyakumari express (6526). Now I maybe travelling in the same train or I may send it as unaccompanied luggage. But I have just one problem, I know NOTHING about sending luggage or carrying extra luggage in Trains.

While the computer may just fit into the 3AC compartment entrance, I would not bet on it with the TV so I would have to check it into a luggage van (if there is one - how to find out?). Plus I would be having one or two suitcase as well. So it would be a bit difficult to carry it as such.

Anyone who can help out would be doing me a BIG favor

[Phantom]

One of my friends got her TV shipped from Delhi to Bangalore and when it reached here, it turned into a wooden box filled with some electronic junk. Each and Everything was broken.

Computer you can carry with yourself and try to ship the TV through some other means. Try movers and packers or something like that.

[mani]

sudheer,  
the best way to do it is to carry it with you in the compartment. The computer will fit no problem. what is the size of the TV Box do you need to carry it in the box. Just go rural with it and tie it in a sheet like most people do when shifting residence. one this will reduce the size of the packet and allow you to carry it in the compartment with less hassle and will also tel the others to be careful with the parcel. Try to get the lower berth as you have the corner to store these oversized packages.


I recently travelled with our Demo machine size 12"x18' x18"  in the compartment with us.

If you do put it in the luggage Van then pack the TV with loads of thermocol to absorb the bad handling, then in a corrugated box, followed by a wooden crating. be present during loading at the station ensure that your box is kept the right side up in a corner from where it would not be easy to move. and then pay the van attendent a tip with a promise for more for taking care of the box.  and Finally pray that no large sized luggage arrives at the rest if the stations and if possible be at the luggage van at every station during loading Unloading so that you are able to intervene if they try to manhandle your box.

Best of luck.

Also from personal experiance do not trust movers/ Packers/ Couriers / Cargo etc.  they all manhandle your cargo even if they say that they have proper handling system. The only way that the consignemnt will survive these guys is if you do complete damage proof as suggested above and then insurance, even better is to use the smaller transporter who specialises in particluar route and has less transhipments so the damage is less or nil.

again all the best
Mani

[captmahajan]

I have carried a tv (along with two dogs) in an ordinary first class compartment while moving. maybe it was easier because it was a closed compartment, but I dont think that would make a lot of difference.

[velu]

Hi the Indian railways site Has this to say about carrying the baggage:

" Each passenger is allowed a free allowance upto which he can carry luggage with him in the compartment, free of cost. The free allowance varies for different classes of travel. Children aged 5 and below 12 years are allowed half of the free allowance subject to the maximum of 50 Kgs. You are also permitted a marginal allowance. there is a maximum ceiling on the luggage which can be carried inside the compartment for each class. These are indicated in the table below : -



Class


Free allowance


Marginal allowance


Maximum quantity permitted ( including free allowance)
AC First Class 70 Kgs 15 Kgs 150 Kgs
AC 2-Tier sleeper/First class 50 Kgs 10 Kgs 100 Kgs.
AC 3-tier sleeper/AC chair car 40 Kgs 10 Kgs 40 Kgs.
Sleeper class 40 Kgs 10 Kgs 80 Kgs.
Second class 35 Kgs. 10 Kgs. 70 Kgs.

If your luggage marginally exceeds the free allowance, you will be charged at the normal luggage rates applicable to your class of travel. Make sure to book your excess luggage in the luggage office, pay the prescribed charges and get your tickets endorsed by cross-referencing the luggage ticket details, before commencing your journey. Free allowance is not admissible for articles such as scooters, cycles etc."

I think you can take it with you in the compt, but please be sure to weigh the baggage and pay any extra money. these inspectors keep coming by every two hours and can make your life miserable.

Cheers,
Velu

[sugarnspice]

My experience. I was carrying a large carton of non breakable stuff (to Goa of course) and I was stopped at the train by the T/C who told me that the carton was too large, despite being told by everyone else that I could take it with me into the train. We had to check it into the luggage compartment. At every station, you need to check on it. We were told that it could get offloaded at the wrong station. We were advised that one station before our destination, one of us should go the distance in the luggage compartment. We did that and had it offloaded and cleared quickly.

For breakable stuff, I would advise packing it well and paying the person in the luggage compartment at the beginning of the journey and a promise of more to come at the end of the journey.  

[Sudheer Poppa]

Actually I settled for a volvo bus which was quite comfy as well

[sugarnspice]

Brilliant! Claps!