Moving your car to another city can be challenging, especially when the distance is hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Instead of driving long distances and spending money on fuel, tolls, hotels, and vehicle maintenance, many people prefer Car Shifting Services by Train India.
Indian Railways provides a dedicated vehicle parcel service that allows car owners to transport their vehicles through specially designed automobile carrier wagons. This service is suitable for job relocations, family moves, corporate transfers, students relocating, and people purchasing or selling vehicles across states. Car transport by train is generally considered an economical and dependable option for long-distance vehicle relocation.
What Are Car Shifting Services by Train?
Car shifting by train is a transportation service in which your vehicle is booked at a railway parcel office and transported separately in a dedicated automobile carrier wagon. Unlike luggage booking for bikes, car owners usually do not need to travel on the same train as their vehicle.
After completing the booking formalities and paying the applicable charges, Indian Railways issues a Railway Receipt (RR). This receipt is required to collect your vehicle at the destination station.
Why Choose Car Transport by Train?
Transporting your car by train offers several advantages:
- Affordable compared to driving long distances
- Saves fuel, toll, and accommodation expenses
- Reduces vehicle wear and tear
- Suitable for interstate relocation
- Safe transportation using dedicated vehicle carrier wagons
- Environment-friendly compared to individual long-distance driving
- Reliable option for long-distance moves
Estimated Car Shifting Charges by Train
The cost of transporting a car by train depends on the vehicle type, size, route, and travel distance.
| Route Distance | Estimated Charges |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 km | ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 |
| 500–1,000 km | ₹6,500 – ₹10,000 |
| 1,000–1,500 km | ₹8,000 – ₹13,000 |
| Above 1,500 km | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
Note: These are approximate estimates only. The final charges are calculated by the railway parcel office based on vehicle dimensions, route, applicable tariff, and other operational charges.
Factors Affecting Car Transport Charges
Several factors influence the final transportation cost:
- Distance between origin and destination
- Vehicle size and weight
- Railway parcel tariff
- Route availability
- Handling charges
- Applicable taxes
- Insurance (if applicable)
Documents Required
Before booking your vehicle, keep these documents ready:
- Original Registration Certificate (RC)
- Valid Vehicle Insurance
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Address proof (if required)
- Booking application form
Some railway stations may request additional documents depending on local procedures.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
Step 1: Confirm Route Availability
First, check whether both the origin and destination railway stations provide vehicle parcel services.
Step 2: Visit the Railway Parcel Office
Take your car and all required documents to the parcel office.
Step 3: Vehicle Inspection
Railway officials inspect your vehicle and verify the submitted documents.
Step 4: Submit Documents
Complete the booking form and submit all required paperwork.
Step 5: Pay the Charges
After the charges are calculated, make the payment and collect your Railway Receipt (RR).
Step 6: Vehicle Loading
Your car is loaded into a dedicated automobile carrier wagon and secured using safety equipment to minimize movement during transit.
Step 7: Collect Your Vehicle
Visit the destination railway station with the Railway Receipt and complete the delivery formalities before taking possession of your vehicle.
Delivery Time
Transit time depends on:
- Route
- Train availability
- Railway operations
- Loading and unloading schedules
Most deliveries are completed within 5 to 10 days.
Tips Before Sending Your Car
Before handing over your vehicle:
- Wash the vehicle thoroughly.
- Take photographs from every angle.
- Remove all personal belongings.
- Keep the fuel level low.
- Carry a spare key separately.
- Disable the alarm system if required.
- Check for existing dents or scratches.
These steps help simplify inspection and reduce the chances of disputes during delivery.
Advantages of Car Shifting by Train
Choosing railway transport offers many benefits:
- Cost-effective for long-distance relocation
- Reliable nationwide railway network
- Lower maintenance costs compared to driving
- Reduced tyre wear
- Saves valuable travel time
- Suitable for personal and corporate relocations
Important Things to Remember
- Book well in advance during peak relocation seasons.
- Confirm whether your destination station offers vehicle unloading.
- Keep the Railway Receipt safely until delivery.
- Inspect your car before leaving the destination station.
- Verify all booking details before completing the process.
Conclusion
Car Shifting Services by Train India provide a practical, economical, and reliable solution for transporting vehicles across the country. Instead of driving long distances, you can use Indian Railways’ vehicle parcel service to move your car safely while reducing fuel costs, toll charges, and unnecessary wear and tear. Before booking, ensure you have all required documents, verify route availability, and confirm the latest charges with your nearest railway parcel office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transport my car by train in India?
Yes. Indian Railways provides vehicle parcel services on selected routes using dedicated automobile carrier wagons.
2. Do I need to travel with my car?
No. Your vehicle is transported separately through the railway parcel service.
3. How long does railway car transport take?
Delivery usually takes 5–10 days, depending on the route and train availability.
4. What documents are required?
Generally, you’ll need the RC, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, government-issued photo ID, and any additional documents requested by the parcel office.
5. How are car shifting charges calculated?
Charges are based on factors such as vehicle type, size, distance, route, and the applicable Indian Railways parcel tariff.
