In India, many travellers prefer the extensive railway network over flying. Air travel regulations are straightforward, whereas train regulations can vary based on state laws, enforcement, and the specific items you are carrying.
As festive and holiday travel gains momentum across India, a common question for those using the rail network is: Can you carry bottles of alcohol on a train? Another frequent inquiry from travellers is about the quantity of alcohol a person can bring during train journeys. The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think; it varies depending on state excise laws, route, amount, packaging, and consumption habits.
A senior Indian Railways official remarked, “carrying liquor or alcohol bottles is not allowed on trains.” This position is driven by concerns related to safety, unruly behaviour, and overall passenger comfort, as reported by The Indian Express.
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Unlike airlines, which typically permit a certain number of sealed alcohol bottles in checked baggage, Indian Railways does not provide a cohesive, national guideline that allows travellers to carry alcohol.
While the outright ban applies in many cases, the situation is more nuanced: state excise regulations govern the transportation of alcohol instead of a single federal rule, as mentioned by Outlook Traveller.
In states that allow it, passengers can carry sealed bottles for personal use, usually up to 1-2 litres, accompanied by the purchase receipt. However, even sealed bottles can lead to issues if you pass through a dry state where transporting or possessing alcohol is illegal or restricted. Such states include Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and parts of Lakshadweep.
It’s crucial to understand that consuming alcohol on a train is strictly prohibited, even if carrying it is allowed. Authorities have the right to offload passengers who are found intoxicated or drinking onboard and can impose fines that may escalate based on the level of disruption caused.
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Key rules travellers should note
With a receipt in hand, alcohol must be purchased from a legal venue and should remain sealed. Drinking alcohol during train journeys or on railway platforms is completely banned.
Transportation of alcohol may be strictly enforced, leading to fines or confiscation if the rail route traverses or halts in a dry-state jurisdiction.
For safety, train staff are held to a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption.
The railways maintain that drinking and carrying alcohol on trains not only jeopardizes passenger safety but also leads to disruptive behaviour and discomfort for others.
To mitigate the risk of accidents that could impact safe train operations, railways firmly prohibits operational personnel from being intoxicated while on duty.
