Indian Railways provides a dedicated service to transport cars and other vehicles from one city to another. This service allows people to move their vehicles safely using special carrier wagons. The process is managed through the railway parcel offices at various stations.
How to book and send your car via train
To use this service, you first need to select your loading and unloading stations. Visit the railway parcel office to submit an application along with the required documents. Once the vehicle is inspected and the fee is paid, the railway issues a Railway Receipt (RR). The car is then loaded into a special Vehicle Carrier Wagon and delivered to the destination station within 5 to 10 days.
Required documents and estimated costs
You must provide the vehicle’s RC, valid insurance, and a PUC certificate. Identification proof like Aadhaar, PAN, or a Driving Licence along with address proof is also mandatory. The cost varies based on the route, vehicle weight, and size.
| Route | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Delhi to Mumbai | ₹8,000 to ₹13,000 |
| Bengaluru to Delhi | ₹13,000 to ₹19,000 |
| Chennai to Bengaluru | ₹5,500 to ₹9,000 |
Important preparations before handover
- Take clear photographs of the car from all sides.
- Remove all personal belongings from inside the vehicle.
- Keep the fuel level low for safety.
- Turn off all alarm systems.
- Keep a spare key with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much time does it take to deliver a car via Indian Railways?
The transit time for car transportation generally ranges from 5 to 10 days, depending on the route and train availability.
What documents are needed to book a car parcel?
You need the vehicle RC, valid insurance, PUC certificate, address proof, and a government ID like Aadhaar, PAN, or Driving Licence.