Car relocation across long distances in India can be expensive if done through road carriers or self-driving. To provide a cost-effective alternative, Indian Railways offers a dedicated facility for transporting cars through its parcel system. This service is commonly known as car shifting by train in India or railway car parcel service.
It is widely used by individuals, families, and businesses who want to move their vehicles safely, affordably, and without adding extra mileage or wear and tear.
In this blog, we will cover everything about car shifting services by train in India, including how it works, charges, booking process, advantages, and limitations.
What Is Car Shifting by Train?
Car shifting by train is a service where your vehicle is transported from one railway station to another using special parcel wagons attached to trains.
The process is managed by Indian Railways and includes:
- Booking at parcel office
- Vehicle inspection
- Safe loading into railway wagons
- Transport via train network
- Delivery at destination station
This service is one of the oldest and most economical methods of vehicle transport in India.
How Car Transport by Train Works
The process is simple but involves multiple steps:
Step 1: Booking at Railway Parcel Office
You must visit the nearest railway parcel office with your car and documents.
Step 2: Vehicle Inspection
Railway officials inspect and record the condition of the car before loading.
Step 3: Documentation and Charges
You submit documents and pay the applicable parcel charges.
Step 4: Packing (Optional but Recommended)
Basic protective covering may be applied to avoid scratches.
Step 5: Loading into Parcel Wagon
The car is carefully driven into a railway parcel wagon and secured.
Step 6: Transportation
The train carries the vehicle to the destination station.
Step 7: Delivery
You collect the car after verification at the destination parcel office.
Types of Car Transport in Indian Railways
Parcel Service (Most Common)
- Car is transported in dedicated parcel wagons
- Cheapest option
- Suitable for long-distance shifting
Luggage Service
- Car travels with passenger trains
- Faster but requires a valid train ticket
Car Shifting Charges by Train in India
Car transport charges depend on:
- Vehicle weight
- Distance between stations
- Railway zone
- Type of service (parcel or luggage)
Estimated Charges:
| Car Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hatchback | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Sedan | ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 |
| SUV | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Luxury Car | ₹12,000 – ₹30,000+ |
Example Cost Calculation
If a sedan weighs 1200 kg and rate is ₹10 per kg:
- Base cost = ₹12,000
- Packing = ₹1,000
- Handling = ₹500
Total estimated cost = ₹13,000 – ₹14,000
Distance-Based Charges
| Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 0–500 km | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| 500–1500 km | ₹6,000 – ₹15,000 |
| 1500+ km | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000+ |
Documents Required
To book car shifting by train, you need:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance copy
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Government ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License)
- Booking form from railway parcel office
Benefits of Car Shifting by Train
- Very cost-effective compared to road transport
- Available across major railway stations in India
- Suitable for long-distance relocation
- No extra mileage or engine wear
- Reliable for budget-conscious users
Limitations of Railway Car Transport
- No door-to-door service
- Requires station visit
- Manual booking process
- Limited tracking system
- Possible delays during peak season
How to Prepare Your Car for Train Transport
Before handing over your vehicle:
- Wash and inspect the car
- Take photos from all sides
- Remove personal belongings
- Keep fuel at minimum level
- Check battery and tire condition
- Ensure proper locking
Delivery Time
| Distance | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 km | 1–3 days |
| 500–1500 km | 3–6 days |
| 1500+ km | 5–10 days |
Tips to Reduce Cost
- Choose parcel service instead of luggage service
- Book early to avoid rush charges
- Avoid peak festival seasons
- Compare with road carrier prices
- Ensure proper packing to avoid damage claims
Safety of Car Transport by Train
Car transport by train is generally safe, but safety depends on:
- Proper loading and securing
- Station handling
- Transit conditions
For expensive cars, insurance is strongly recommended.
Who Should Use This Service?
Car shifting by train is ideal for:
- Students and professionals relocating to another city
- Families shifting permanently
- Budget-conscious users
- Long-distance car relocation
- Non-urgent transport requirements
Conclusion
Car shifting services by train in India offer one of the most economical ways to transport vehicles across long distances. With extensive railway connectivity and relatively low costs, it is a practical option for many users. Although it requires station-based booking and manual handling, it remains a trusted and budget-friendly alternative to road transport.
FAQs
1. What is car shifting by train in India?
It is a railway service that transports cars from one station to another using parcel wagons.
2. How much does it cost to send a car by train?
It generally costs between ₹4,000 and ₹30,000 depending on distance and car type.
3. Is railway car transport safe?
Yes, it is safe when properly packed and handled at stations.
4. Can I book car transport online?
Most bookings are done at railway parcel offices, not fully online.
5. How long does delivery take?
Usually between 1 to 10 days depending on distance.
6. Is insurance necessary?
It is not mandatory but strongly recommended for safety.