Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Relocating to a new city often comes with one big question: what do you do with your car? While many people choose to drive long distances, Indian Railways offers another option through its car parcel service. The facility allows vehicle owners to transport cars across India using specialised railway wagons.
Whether you’re moving for a job, studies or a family relocation, car transport by train can be a practical alternative to driving hundreds or even thousands of kilometres.
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Here’s a complete guide to Indian Railways vehicle transport, including costs, documents and the booking process.
HOW DOES CAR TRANSPORT BY TRAIN WORK?
Indian Railways transports vehicles through its parcel service network.
The car is booked at the parcel office of the originating railway station and is transported separately in a dedicated vehicle carrier wagon. Owners are not required to travel on the same train as their vehicle.
The service is particularly useful for long-distance moves, especially routes exceeding 1,400 kilometres.
Transit times generally range from five to ten days, depending on the route and train availability.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RAILWAY CAR TRANSPORT
Before booking, vehicle owners must provide the required paperwork.
These typically include the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC), valid insurance certificate, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, a government-issued identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card or driving licence, and address proof.
Applicants are also required to complete a transportation form at the railway parcel office.
In some cases, additional insurance-related documents may be requested.
STEP-BY-STEP BOOKING PROCESS
The first step is identifying railway stations at both ends that offer vehicle loading and unloading facilities.
Vehicle owners then need to visit the parcel office at the originating station and submit the necessary documents.
Railway officials inspect the vehicle and calculate charges based on factors such as weight, size, distance and route.
Once formalities are completed, the car is loaded into a specialised carrier wagon and secured using chains and wheel locks to minimise movement during transit.
At the destination, owners can collect the vehicle by presenting the Railway Receipt (RR) issued during booking.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of car transport by train depends on several factors, including vehicle type and travel distance.
Industry estimates suggest that transporting a hatchback between Delhi and Mumbai may cost between Rs 8,000 and Rs 13,000. Longer routes such as Bengaluru to Delhi can cost between Rs 13,000 and Rs 19,000.
Shorter journeys, such as Chennai to Bengaluru, may cost between Rs 5,500 and Rs 9,000.
Exact charges can only be confirmed by the railway parcel office at the time of booking.
TIPS BEFORE HANDING OVER YOUR CAR
Experts recommend cleaning the vehicle and taking photographs from multiple angles before transport.
Owners should remove personal belongings, keep fuel levels low, check for fluid leaks and carry a spare key separately.
Disabling the alarm system can also help avoid unnecessary issues during transit.
ALSO READ: Railways approves Rs 238 crore safety upgrade on Jammu-Katra route
IS TRAIN TRANSPORT WORTH IT?
For people relocating over long distances, car transport by train can save time, fuel costs and the physical strain of driving across multiple states.
While delivery may take several days and schedules can occasionally be affected by operational delays, the service remains a popular option for vehicle relocation in India due to its affordability and extensive railway network.
For booking details and fare information, vehicle owners can visit the nearest railway parcel office or check the official Indian Railways parcel service portal.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
