Charges for haulage of empty coaches on private account
Charges for haulage of empty coaches on private account
Commercial Circular no. 12 of 2025
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR)
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA)
RAILWAY BOARD
TCII/2221/11/ Empty Coaches
New Delhi, dated 17.03.2025
The General Managers (Commercial)
All Indian Railways
Sub:- Charges for haulage of empty coaches on private account.
Ref.:- Board’s letters No.TC11/2221/11/Empty Coaches dt. 30.05.2025 & 02.03.2025.
It has been decided to revise the charges for haulage of empty coaches as under:-
| i. | When hauled by a-scheduled train | Rs.116 per Coach per km. subject to a minimum of RS.11600 per Coach for all gauges (minimum distance for charge 100 km). |
| ii. | When hauled by a special train | Rs.3454 per train per km. subject to a minimum of RS.345400 per train for all gauges (minimum distance for charge 100 km). |
If the charges at the rate of Rs. 116.00 per coach per kilometer for the actual number of coaches hauled by a special train works, out the higher than the charges at rates indicated in (ii) above, the former would be leviable.
These instructions shall be applicable’ for haulage of empty coaches manufactured by ICF, RCF, BEML Ltd, the coaches to be transported to Bangladesh etc.
These charges will come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid till further advice.
This, issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
Necessary instructions may be issued to all concerned immediately.
sd/-
(Vikram Singh)
Director Passenger Marketing
Railway Board.
Click here to Download the Original Order
Here’s the official breakdown of charges for hauling empty coaches on private account, as per Commercial Circular No. 12 of 2016 from the Railway Board:
Contents
Charges for Haulage of Empty Coaches — Private Account
Rates apply to coaches manufactured by ICF, RCF, BEML, or being transported for Bangladesh, etc.
| Type of Haulage | Charge |
|---|---|
| With a scheduled train | ₹116 per coach per km (minimum ₹11,600 per coach; minimum distance 100 km) |
| With a special train | ₹3,454 per train per km (minimum ₹345,400 per train; minimum distance 100 km) |
If calculating ₹116 per coach per km for all coaches in a special train results in higher charges than the flat ₹3,454 per train per km, then the higher amount applies.
How It Works
- Scheduled Train Haulage: Your empty coach is attached to an existing timetable train—this is significantly cheaper, charged per km per coach.
- Special Train Haulage: If a dedicated (special) train is deployed solely for moving empty coaches, there’s a flat per-train per-km rate, regardless of number of coaches, under certain conditions—but the per-coach calculation may still apply if it yields higher charges.
This ensures fair pricing whether you’re moving coaches within regular operations or through special arrangements.
Real-World Perspective
From IRCTC’s coaching tariff interpretations (e.g., for special coaches), we also know:
- Empty haulage charges can approximate the full tariff rate (basic fare + reservation charge) per coach for the actual distance or a flat minimum of 200 km, whichever is higher.
This aligns with the Railway’s broader principle of taxiing costs being anchored in standard fare metrics, though for contractual clarity, the circular’s specific rates prevail.
Got a scenario in mind—like moving a certain number of coaches over a known distance? Share the details, and I can help estimate the cost for you!