Indian Railways has updated the rules for booking parcel vans to stop fake bookings and improve the freight system. These changes will mainly affect traders and regular business customers who use railway parcel services. The new rules aim to ensure that parcel vans are available for genuine users and not blocked unnecessarily.
What are the new security deposit and booking rules?
The railway has significantly increased the security deposit to discourage fake bookings. The booking process will now follow a first-come, first-served basis, and customers can book their vans up to 90 days before the loading date.
| Category | Old Deposit | New Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Notified Stations | ₹5,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Other Stations | ₹5,000 | ₹10,000 |
What happens if goods are not loaded on time?
A lock-in period of 10 days before the loading date has been introduced. If the trader fails to load the goods during this period, the entire security deposit will be forfeited. Additionally, the customer will have to pay an extra fee as a penalty.
What is the responsibility of the Railways?
The rules also include a guarantee for the customer. If Indian Railways is unable to provide the parcel van for 10 days, the full booking amount will be refunded to the customer. This ensures a fair system for both the trader and the railway administration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new security deposit for parcel van booking?
The security deposit is now ₹25,000 for notified stations and ₹10,000 for other stations, increased from the previous flat rate of ₹5,000.
When will the security deposit be forfeited?
The deposit will be forfeited if the goods are not loaded within the 10-day lock-in period before the loading date, and additional fees will be charged.