Prayagraj: To bring greater transparency to ticket checking and curb disputes between passengers and travelling ticket examiners (TTEs), the North Central Railway (NCR) is set to equip its ticket-checking staff with body-worn cameras. The pilot project will be launched on the Prayagraj Express operating between Prayagraj and Delhi and the Shram Shakti Express running between Kanpur and Delhi.The compact cameras, to be attached near the chest of the TTEs’ uniforms, will record audio and video during ticket checking, capturing conversations, activities, and incidents that take place while the staff are on duty. The cameras will be activated when the TTEs begin their duty, officials said.The Prayagraj division has already procured 30 body cameras, and training of staff is underway. The initiative is expected to be expanded to more trains and subsequently implemented in the other divisions of NCR, said Shivam Sharma, CPRO, NCR.Meanwhile, in another passenger-friendly initiative, Indian Railways is set to introduce online booking of personal luggage for passengers travelling with confirmed tickets from July 31. The new system will allow passengers to declare and book excess luggage while booking their train tickets, eliminating the need to queue at railway luggage or parcel counters.The Railway Board has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), its Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and Passenger Management System (PMS) wings, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to complete the necessary digital changes and testing. Passengers will be shown details of free luggage limits, maximum permissible weight, prohibited items, and penalties for carrying excess luggage.Under the new rules, luggage above the free limit but within the permissible maximum will attract 1.5 times the normal luggage rate. If excess luggage is found without prior booking, passengers will be charged six times the normal luggage rate. The maximum suitcase or trunk size permitted inside coaches will be 100 cm × 60 cm × 25 cm.The luggage allowance will vary by class. AC first class passengers can carry 70 kg free, with a maximum limit of 150 kg, while AC second class passengers can carry 50 kg free, with a maximum limit of 100 kg. AC third class and sleeper class passengers can carry 40 kg free, while the general class limit is 35 kg. Firecrackers, gas cylinders, inflammable substances, acids, and goods meant for commercial sale will remain prohibited in passenger coaches.
