Expecting a rush for Samjhauta Express tickets in view of the forthcoming Indo-Pak cricket series, the Railways have limited the amount of baggage a passenger can carry to 35 kg.Taking a cue from various airlines, which limit the amount of baggage a passenger can carry, the Railways have introduced the measure in Samjhauta Express — the only international train — for security reasons. ‘‘The aim is to ensure that customs clearance does not take too much time. Security is a big concern on this train, and more so in the cricket season,’’ an official said.Though the Indian authorities had asked their Pakistan counterparts to introduce the measure before the train services resumed between the two countries, it was included in the agreement only last week.Enforced with immediate effect, each passenger is allowed to carry only two pieces of baggage, with their combined weight not exceeding 35 kg. In addition, they are only permitted to carry small hand baggage, umbrellas, overcoats, children’s baskets etc.Sources said that the Indian Railways had suggested limiting the baggage weight on Samjhauta Express on the recommendation of the Home Ministry. Earlier, before the services were disrupted, the train was said to be used by smugglers often to bring contraband like fake currency notes into the country and to carry hundreds of other items like beedi leaves and cosmetics to Pakistan.‘‘There was no limit to the amount of baggage passengers could carry, so we had no option but to sift through all the huge bundles they had. In some cases, they used to carry 20 sacks each full of cosmetics, popular across the border. On their way back, they used to carry dry fruit and spices. Not only did customs clearance take hours together, it was a security hazard too,’’ the official said.As of now, the Railways do not plan to increase the frequency of the train, which is bi-weekly. ‘‘At present, there is not much demand for the train and there are only around 100-150 passengers on each trip. It is mainly because not many visas are being issued on either side. It is mainly foreign tourists who take the train now,’’ a senior Railway official disclosed.However, with more visas expected to be issued for the matches in Pakistan, the Railways say there is bound to be an increased demand for the train. ‘‘After all, how else can one travel to Pakistan with less than Rs 200,’’ he added.
