Car Transport by Train in India

Indian Railways can be an option for transporting your car between cities, particularly for long-distance relocations. Factors such as distance, the availability of suitable railway services, the type of booking, and the effort involved in dropping off and collecting the car can also influence your decision. This blog will help you understand how to prepare your vehicle properly and make the car transportation process smoother.

How to Prepare Your Car for Transport by Train

Before packing up and booking your vehicle for a smoother transition, here are a few steps you can follow to prepare your vehicle for transport.

• Wash your car and inspect its exterior and interior for any scratches, dents, or other visible damage. 
• Give the car a thorough check-up and see if there are any loose accessories or detachable parts that can cause damage while loading and unloading.
• Make sure to take photographs from each angle, including the exterior, interior, tyres, and any existing damage. 
• Check and remove any personal belongings from the car's compartments.

How Does Car Transport by Train Work?

Transporting a car by train involves several steps, including checking service availability, preparing the vehicle, and collecting it at the destination. These processes may vary from station to station depending on the station’s ability to transport a car. Here are the key steps that will be involved in the transportation process:

Step 1: Visit the Railway Parcel or Luggage Office

• You need to visit the nearest railway parcel or luggage office and enquire about the availability of vehicle transportation services on your preferred route and confirm that they are available.
• You can check the availability of these services online as well in the Indian Railways Parcel Management System, but all the information may not be available accurately.

Step 2: Submit the Required Documents

• You would need to submit the following documents to the booking service to transport your car, which include:                

1. Registration Certificate (RC)
2. Valid insurance
3. Government-issued photo ID
4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

Step 3: Vehicle Inspection and Booking

• Before you complete the booking, the authorities may inspect the vehicle for details such as model, weight, and overall condition. 
• The transportation charges will be determined based on the relevant railway guidelines and routes. 
• Some railway stations may offer online booking and availability; check with the authorities before booking.

Step 4: Prepare and Secure the Car

• You may need to empty or reduce the fuel level as instructed by the railway authorities before proceeding with the booking process. 
• Additionally, remove all personal belongings, valuables, and loose items from the vehicle, as the railway doesn’t provide any insurance for missing or stolen items.
• You can take a separate transport insurance policy to protect your car against these risks.

Step 5: Loading the Car onto the Train

• Before loading the car, confirm with the railway authorities whether any protective packing is required or recommended before handing over the vehicle.
• The car is loaded onto the designated railway vehicle or wagon for transportation. 
• Once the car is loaded, you will get a tracking link to check the status of your vehicle.

Step 6: Collect Your Car at the Destination

• Once the car reaches the destination, you can visit the designated railway parcel or luggage office with the required booking receipt and identification documents. 
• Inspect and compare the vehicle with the earlier taken photos for any damage. 
• If there is any damage, you can report it to the railway authorities and submit a formal claim with the required documents. The unresolved claims may be escalated through the appropriate grievance or legal channels.

Car Transport by Train Cost in India

The cost of transporting a car is not determined by its weight alone. Several factors influence the overall price, including:

• Distance: As the distance between the origin and destination station varies, the charges will also be affected. 
• Weight of the Car: Heavier vehicles generally attract higher transportation charges than lighter ones, which can increase the overall cost of car transport.
• Dimensions of the Vehicle: The length, width, and overall size of the car may affect how it is classified and transported, particularly if additional space or special handling is required.
• Loading and Handling: You may have to pay additional charges for handling, loading, unloading, or other services, depending on the booking conditions.

How Long Does It Take to Transport a Car by Train?

The time duration for the transport of a train will vary depending on several factors. You need to confirm the timeline with the concerned railway parcel or luggage office before the booking procedures. The factors will include:

• Distance between the origin and destination station
• The train route selected for the transport
• The availability of suitable vehicle wagons
• The availability of loading schedules
• It is advisable to confirm the expected transportation timeline with the concerned railway parcel or luggage office before booking your car.

Advantages of Transporting a Car by Train

• A practical option for those who are relocating between cities 
• An economical option compared to other modes of transportation.
• You can avoid long-distance driving. 
• A useful alternative for cities that are connected through major railways.

Disadvantages of Transporting a Car by Train

• Door-to-door service is not available.
• Additional efforts may be required for loading and unloading.
• Delivery timelines may vary related to train routes.
• Less flexibility and personalised support.

A Convenient Way to Transport Your Car

While transporting a car by train has its own advantages, opting for a professional service offers more opportunity for flexibility and a stress-free experience. NoBroker packers and movers offer a more convenient alternative by providing doorstep pickup, vehicle handling, transportation assistance, and delivery support. With professional assistance, you can avoid managing multiple stages of the transportation process yourself and choose a service based on your budget, destination, and delivery requirements.