Any form of relocation is a stressful event. To make it hassle-free, you need to get in touch with the specialist packers and movers. Whether you are shifting for good or have plans of coming back, your bike is something that probably will go with you irrespective of the time span. So, you need to get in touch with the experts of bike transport hyderabad who understands the right way to get the vehicle transported. 

In this blog, we will have an inclusive read of how to transport your bike by train.

Indian Railways has two options for moving products from one location to another. Goods might be transported as luggage or as a parcel. Both are distinct. Luggage is something you can take with you on the same train that you are taking, however, the shipping of your parcel will be decided by the Rail Authorities. So, how does bike transportation on the train work? How can you travel by rail in a secure and convenient manner? Will you need the help of bike packers and movers in that case?

Luggage and parcel booking are the two choices available. Booking the option for bike parcel service through Railway Authorities is the most popular approach to send your motorcycle by train to your desired city.

Even some years back, the way to transport bikes on the train could have been through both the options – luggage and parcel; however, with time, the procedures have changed a lot. Today, getting a parcel booking for bike transport is a more favourable choice. Additionally, it is upto the rail authorities to decide on which train your bike will be transferred. This depends on a number of factors including the destination and availability of slots. That said, there’s still the scope of taking your bike as luggage on the train. 

Bike transportation in the train as the luggage 

Receiving at the destination faster by transferring a bike or scooter as luggage. As soon as the train comes at the station, you must pick up your bike. Furthermore, you will be required to travel on the same train. This can be a costlier choice. In addition to paying bike transportation fees by train, you will need to purchase a ticket on your own.  

Bike transportation in the train as parcel

If you choose the bike parcel in train option, it will cost less than moving your bike as luggage on the train. However, you have to make sure to get the reservation for bike parcel service in advance on the train. It will take longer than using luggage. Typically, it takes 5-7 days for shifting the bike. 

Important Documents Required for Scooter or Two-Wheeler Transport by Train

Certain paperworks are necessary regardless of whether you choose to transport your bike by train as luggage or as a cargo. So, before you hire a bike parcel or transportation service, double-check that you have all of the necessary documents. The following is a list of documents that you may require.

• Government-issued ID proof
• Registration Certification of the bike. Also, the RC must have the same name as the ID proof.
• Photocopy of bike insurance paper
• Reservation Ticket (applicable when you choose luggage option)

You can’t move bikes by train unless you have insurance and the bike’s registration number. You’ll also need to complete a form for bike transportation by train. You must fill in all required information in the form, including your name, phone number, address of the source, and destination address.

Procedure of Bike Transportation in Train as Parcel – a step-by-step guide to the transportation of a bike by train as a parcel

Reach the railway station parcel office with the bike and make sure to carry all the documents as mentioned above. In all probability, you will be asked to submit the photocopy of the documents. 

Next, make sure that you pack the bike with all proper precautions. This is when you will need the experts of bike packers and movers to get it done with absolute skill. There are agents for this packing at the railway office too but they are not official staff of Indian railways so there’s  no fixed charge for their packing service. 

Next, you need to fill up all the information including name, address (both source and destination), engine number, chassis number, vehicle registration number, value of the vehicle and forward the filled up note. 

You will get the receipt for the bike parcel charges; so keep it close till the relocation is completed. 

Once the bike reaches the destination, it should be collected within 48 hours of the transfer.

Cost of bike parcel

The cost of shipping your bike by train varies based on the total weight of your two-wheeler and the destination you choose. Keep in mind that bike commuting on Indian Railways is usually less expensive than other types of transportation.

If you want to find out how much it will cost to transport your bike by rail, go to the Indian Railways website and utilise the bike parcel service cost calculator.

Things to keep in mind

• It is necessary to have the declaration of the value of the bike before transportation
• Make sure to empty the petrol tank
• Keep the booking receipts safely
• Bike parcel book time is from 10 am to 5 pm 

A word of caution – make sure to empty the fuel tank

One of the most important things to keep in mind before taking your vehicle up for transportation is to empty the fuel tank completely. In all cases, there will be an inspection by the authorities before loading on the train. If found otherwise, you will be charged a fine of Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 by Indian Railways Authorities. In fact, this is such a strict rule that you cannot even get away by giving the fine and your bike might be taken to the police station and it might get into a complicated legal procedure to get the bike back. 

That said, once you get the fuel-less vehicle onto your destination, how would you drive it back to your home from the station? So, you have to arrange for petrol/ diesel once you get the bike which can be challenging at times. 

Also, if you are the owner of the bike, you have to travel in the same train as that of the bike. And, even upon reaching, there’s an elaborate process to get the bike back. 

This is why, one of the easiest alternatives is to hire a professional car and bike transportation service provider where you can be rest assured to get your vehicle delivered at your doorstep.