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IRCTC Bike Parcel – Complete Guide to Transporting a Bike by Train
If you are planning to move your motorcycle or scooter from one city to another, IRCTC bike parcel is a commonly searched option for transporting a two-wheeler by train. Indian Railways provides facilities for transporting two-wheelers through its luggage and parcel system, subject to applicable railway rules, train availability, and station facilities.
One important point is that IRCTC and Indian Railways parcel services are not exactly the same thing . IRCTC mainly deals with passenger-related services, while two-wheelers are handled through the railway luggage and parcel system. According to Indian Railways guidance, a two-wheeler can be booked as luggage when the owner travels on the same train, or as a parcel when the owner does not travel with the vehicle.
What Is an IRCTC Bike Parcel?
The term IRCTC bike parcel by train generally refers to sending a motorcycle or scooter through the Indian Railways system.
There are two main options:
- Bike as luggage: The owner travels on the same train as the bike.
- Bike as parcel: The owner does not travel on the same train with the bike.
For parcel booking, the two-wheeler is handed over at the railway parcel office and transported to the destination station, subject to the availability of the service and applicable railway rules.
Can You Send a Bike by Indian Railways?
Yes, motorcycles and scooters can be transported by train under the railway's luggage and parcel procedures.
Indian Railways' two-wheeler guidance states that a bike should be booked as a parcel when the owner is not travelling by the same train. The railway also requires the vehicle to be properly packed before booking.
However, availability can depend on the particular station, train, route, and parcel-handling arrangements. It is therefore useful to confirm the facility at the originating station before making your travel plans.
How to Book an IRCTC Bike Parcel
The general process for booking a bike as a railway parcel is straightforward.
1. Visit the Railway Parcel Office
Take your bike to the appropriate railway parcel office at the originating station. Ask the parcel staff about the availability of bike booking for your destination.
2. Carry the Registration Certificate
Indian Railways' two-wheeler instructions mention carrying a photocopy of the bike's registration certificate for parcel booking.
It is also advisable to carry your identification and other vehicle documents when required.
3. Empty the Fuel Tank
Before packing, the petrol tank should be empty. This is an important part of preparing the bike for railway transportation.
4. Pack the Bike Properly
The motorcycle or scooter needs to be properly packed before booking. Good packing helps protect the vehicle during handling and transportation.
Indian Railways also has station-level arrangements where two-wheeler packing services may be available. For example, a recent South Western Railway document for KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station specifies packing services for two-wheelers, showing that packing arrangements can vary by station.
5. Attach Destination Details
Indian Railways advises mentioning the originating and destination stations on a clearly visible cardboard label tied to the two-wheeler.
6. Complete the Booking
After the railway staff weighs and processes the vehicle, applicable parcel charges are calculated. Once payment is completed, keep the parcel receipt or relevant booking document safely.
IRCTC Bike Parcel Charges
There is no single fixed IRCTC bike parcel charge for every motorcycle.
Railway parcel charges depend on factors such as:
- Distance between stations
- Chargeable weight
- Applicable parcel scale
- Type of booking
- Packing requirements
- Additional applicable charges
- Route and railway rules
Indian Railways publishes parcel rate tables based on distance and weight slabs.
Therefore, it is better to check the applicable railway parcel rate for your specific route instead of relying on a single online price.
What Documents Are Needed?
Before going to the railway parcel office, keep the required documents ready.
Commonly required documents may include:
- Bike Registration Certificate (RC)
- Valid identity proof
- Vehicle insurance details
- Booking or travel details, where applicable
- Destination and sender information
The exact document requirements can vary depending on the booking situation and railway station.
How Should You Prepare Your Bike?
Proper preparation can make the booking process easier.
Remove Personal Items
Do not leave bags, accessories, or valuable personal belongings on the motorcycle.
Check the Fuel
Follow the railway's requirements regarding fuel and make sure the petrol tank is empty before packing.
Take Photographs
Take photographs of the bike from different angles before handing it over. This gives you a record of its condition at the time of booking.
Secure Loose Parts
Mirrors, accessories, and other loose components should be protected properly during packing.
Keep Documents Separately
Keep the original documents safely with you and provide photocopies wherever required.
Bike Parcel vs Bike Luggage
Understanding the difference between parcel and luggage is important.
| Feature | Bike as Parcel | Bike as Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Owner travels with bike | No | Yes |
| Booking method | Parcel office | Luggage office |
| Bike packing | Required | Required |
| Railway charges | Applicable | Applicable |
| Train travel | Bike may travel separately | Same train as owner |
| Suitable for | Sending bike separately | Travelling with your bike |
Indian Railways specifically states that a two-wheeler is booked as luggage when the passenger travels on the same train and as a parcel when the passenger does not travel with the vehicle.
Important Things to Check Before Booking
Before using an IRCTC bike parcel service, check the following:
- Confirm that bike parcel booking is available at your station.
- Ask whether your destination station accepts the parcel.
- Confirm the applicable charges.
- Ask about packing facilities and charges.
- Keep your bike's RC and required documents ready.
- Empty the fuel tank.
- Photograph the vehicle before submission.
- Keep the railway receipt safely after booking.
Railway parcel rules also specify requirements relating to addressing, packing, and recording vehicle details such as the registration number for motorcycles and scooters.
Benefits of Transporting a Bike by Train
Transporting a bike by train can be useful for long-distance relocation.
Some potential benefits include:
- Suitable for long-distance routes
- Established railway parcel network
- Can be useful when the owner is not travelling with the bike
- Railway rates are based on published parcel-rate structures
- Can be an alternative to road transportation
However, the service is not necessarily available on every train or at every station, so checking availability is important.
What If You Need Door-to-Door Bike Transport?
Railway parcel service generally works between railway stations. If you need your bike collected from your home and delivered directly to another address, a professional bike transport company may be more convenient.
Door-to-door bike transport services can include:
- Home pickup
- Bike packing
- Loading
- Transportation
- Unloading
- Door delivery
This option can be useful when you do not want to arrange transportation to and from railway stations yourself.
Conclusion
IRCTC bike parcel is a commonly used term for transporting a motorcycle or scooter through the Indian Railways parcel system. Indian Railways allows a two-wheeler to be booked as luggage when the owner travels on the same train or as a parcel when the owner does not travel with the bike.
Before booking, check the availability at your railway station, prepare the required documents, empty the fuel tank, pack the bike properly, and confirm the applicable charges. If you require home pickup and doorstep delivery, a professional bike transportation service can also be considered.
FAQs
1. What is an IRCTC bike parcel?
IRCTC bike parcel is a commonly used term for transporting a motorcycle or scooter through the Indian Railways parcel system.
2. Can I send my bike by train without travelling?
Yes. Indian Railways allows a two-wheeler to be booked as a parcel when the owner is not travelling on the same train.
3. Can I carry my bike as luggage?
Yes, a two-wheeler can be booked as luggage when you are travelling on the same train, subject to railway rules and availability.
4. How much does an IRCTC bike parcel cost?
There is no single fixed price. Charges depend mainly on the distance, chargeable weight, applicable parcel rate, and other applicable charges. Indian Railways publishes rate tables based on distance and weight.
5. Is bike packing required?
Yes. Indian Railways' two-wheeler guidance states that the bike should be properly packed before parcel booking.
6. Can I book a bike parcel from any railway station?
Availability depends on the station and parcel-handling facilities. It is recommended to confirm with the originating and destination railway parcel offices before booking.
7. Do I need the bike's RC?
A copy of the two-wheeler registration certificate is mentioned in Indian Railways' parcel-booking guidance.