The Indian Railway Ministry issued new guidelines on June 25, 2026, to help sportspersons travel with their gear. These rules make it easier to carry oversized equipment, such as javelins, on trains. The change happened after athletes reported difficulties in transporting non-standard equipment during their travels.
How will bulky sports gear be transported
Athletes can now book their large equipment on a priority basis. The gear will be kept in specific luggage areas of the train. This includes the SLRs (second luggage-cum-guard vans), SLRDs (wheelchair-accessible compartments), or LWLRRMs (coaches with diesel generator sets). A parcel supervisor will verify that the items are genuine sports equipment before acceptance.
What are the charges and restrictions
Freight charges will apply for the transportation of this gear. However, the railway will not enforce the standard maximum weight limits for verified sports equipment. It is important to note that pole-vault poles are not included in this relaxation due to technical constraints. The policy follows requests from the Sports Ministry and internal communications from officials like Shivraj Manaspure of Central Railway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which sports equipment is not allowed under the new relaxation?
Pole-vault poles are specifically excluded from this new policy due to technical constraints and cannot be carried under these relaxed rules.
Where will the bulky sports gear be stored in the train?
The equipment will be transported in designated luggage spaces such as SLRs, SLRDs, or LWLRRM coaches on a priority basis.