Bike Transport by Train: Process, Required Documents & Packing

Bike transport by train is an affordable and preferred option for moving bikes in India. It can be done through Indian Railways parcel and luggage services for two-wheelers and can take between 2 and 7 days, depending on the distance and train schedule. For such transport, you will need to prepare and pack your bike, take photographs before handing it over, complete booking via the Indian Railways website or luggage office, pay the charges and collect the railway receipt. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about bike transport through Indian Railways, covering the process, required documents, and packing requirements.

What to Know Before Sending Your Bike by Train

Before sending your bike by train, there are a few things you should know about the process. If you are travelling on the same train as your bike, you can book it as luggage. If you are not travelling with the bike, you can send it separately through their bike parcel in train services. Prepare and pack the bike with no fuel, and carry the required original vehicle documents. The cost of transportation your bike, on the other hand, will depend on factors like the bike’s weight, the distance travelled, and railway charges.

Documents Required to Transport a Bike By Train

To book your bike transport by train, you will need to submit the following documents at the railway office or at the official Indian Railways portal:

• Original and photocopied Bike registration certificate
• ID proof such as Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID and passport
• Bike insurance policy
• Train ticket, if booking your bike as luggage
• Forwarding note or booking form with details like the bike’s registration number, destination and other booking information.

Bike as Parcel vs Bike as Luggage: What’s the Difference? 

Through Indian Railways, you can book your bike transport as either luggage or parcel, depending on whether you wish to travel with your bike.

How to Pack Your Bike for Train Transport

Your bike needs to be packed properly to prevent it from getting scratched and damaged during the move. Before taking it to the railway station, drain the fuel completely, remove loose accessories like mirrors and frames, and pack them separately in cardboard layers and gunny sacks. When the bike is packed, clearly label your destination details and station code on a tied cardboard tag before submitting it at the parcel or luggage office. 

Step-by-Step Process to Transport a Bike by Train

The process to transport a bike by train is easy and can be completed via the Indian Railways portal through the following steps:

• Step 1: Prepare and pack your bike: Prepare and pack your bike properly as per the details mentioned in the above section. Apart from that, click pictures of the bike before moving, drain the fuel as required and remove loose accessories, as this will protect the bike from scratches or damage during handling. 
• Step 2: Start booking: Book your bike transport online through the Indian Railways portal using your registered phone number or email, or visit the railway office at the station to book it offline.
• Step 3: Choose parcel or luggage services: Decide whether you want to send the bike as luggage, where you will be travelling on the same train or as a parcel if you are not travelling with it. 
• Step 4: Complete booking: Submit the required details and documents as required by the authorities at the railway parcel or luggage office. You can also complete this process online via the Indian Railways website. 
• Step 5: Get the bike weighed and pay the charges: Upon receipt, the railway staff will weigh your bike and calculate the charges. Complete the payment and make sure to collect your railway receipt, as it will be required while claiming your bike later.
• Step 6: Confirm insurance and risk coverage: Check whether your bike is covered under the railway risk coverage during transit. If you want extra transit insurance coverage, ask the railway staff about the available options and if there are any extra charges involved.
• Step 7: Tag and hand over the bike: Add the tag on your bike along with your destination details and station code. After labelling, hand over the bike at the parcel or luggage area for loading. 
• Step 8: Collect the bike after the move: Once your bike arrives at the location, visit the railway office with your railway receipt and identification documents to collect it. Check the bike for any damage before taking delivery. 

What Happens If Your Bike Is Damaged During Train Transport?

After you get your bike back, your first step should be to inspect it thoroughly as soon as you receive it and compare its condition with the photographs taken before handover. Your next steps should be:

• If the damage is covered under your bike insurance policy, raise a claim with your insurance company
• Report the damage to the railway authorities and keep your railway receipt, booking documents, and photographs with you as evidence
• Raise a railway grievance on RailMadad to report the issue and get further assistance
• If the issue is not resolved through the railway grievance process, you can then file a formal claim through the Railway Claims Tribunal.

Train vs Professional Bike Transport

The question between train and professional bike transport is a common one, with the answer depending on whether you only need to transport your bike or want complete packing, pickup, and delivery services. The differences between train and professional bike transport are as follows:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transporting a Bike by Train

Although economical, transporting a bike by train can take up to 7 days, depending on the train schedule, route, parcel availability, and the destination. Delays are common during this process, particularly when the bike is not packed properly or the booking is not done correctly. Considering these mistakes can help you save a little time:

• Not clicking pictures before the move
• Leaving fuel in the tank
• Poor or loose packing
• Not removing and packing accessories separately.

Packing & Transporting Your Bike Damage-Free with NoBroker

The packaging for your bike decides how safely it reaches you during transit. If you are doing this for the first time, you are likely to make mistakes while packing and handling the bike, which can lead to scratches or damage. NoBroker Packers & Movers can help you avoid this with their thorough bike packaging and door-to-door transportation services. Their experts assist you throughout the process, from picking up and loading your bike to transporting and unloading it at your destination.