Travelling by train in India often involves long waiting hours, early arrivals, or extended layovers. In such situations, carrying heavy luggage everywhere can be stressful. This is where the Cloak Room at Railway Station becomes an extremely useful passenger facility.
Indian Railways provides cloak rooms and lockers at most major stations, allowing passengers to store their luggage safely for a few hours or even multiple days. This guide explains everything you need to know — how it works, charges, rules, timings, station-wise availability, and common passenger doubts.
Table of contents
- 1 What Is a Cloak Room at Railway Station?
- 2 How to Use a Cloak Room at Railway Station (Step-by-Step)
- 3 Cloak Room Charges at Railway Station (Revised Rates)
- 4 Station-Wise Cloak Room Details
- 5 Cloak Room Timings at Railway Station
- 6 Rules You Must Know Before Using a Cloak Room
- 7 Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9 Final Tips for Passengers
What Is a Cloak Room at Railway Station?
A railway cloak room is a secure luggage storage facility available inside railway stations. Passengers can deposit locked bags by paying a nominal fee and collect them later using a receipt/token.
Why it is useful
- Freedom to explore the city without luggage
- Safe and affordable short-term storage
- Helpful during long layovers or early arrivals
- Available at most busy railway stations
This facility is part of Indian Railways’ passenger amenities and is managed directly by the railways.
How to Use a Cloak Room at Railway Station (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Locate the Cloak Room
Cloak rooms are usually located near:
- Main station entrance
- Waiting halls
- Platform 1 area
Station signboards or enquiry counters can guide you.
Step 2: Lock Your Luggage
Only properly locked bags are accepted. Loose items or unlocked bags may be rejected.
Step 3: Show a Valid Ticket
You must carry:
- Current journey ticket, OR
- Upcoming journey ticket, OR
- Recently completed journey ticket
(Some stations also allow platform ticket holders.)
Step 4: Pay Charges & Collect Receipt
After payment, a deposit receipt/token is issued. This is mandatory for luggage retrieval.
Step 5: Collect Your Luggage
Submit the receipt and pay any additional charges (if applicable) to collect your luggage.
Important: Luggage will NOT be delivered without the receipt.
Cloak Room Charges at Railway Station (Revised Rates)
Standard Revised Charges
- First 24 hours (or part thereof): ₹20 per package
- Each subsequent 24 hours (or part thereof): ₹25 per package
Charges may vary slightly depending on:
- Station category
- Luggage size
- AC or digital locker facilities
Note: Always check the rate chart displayed at the counter.
Station-Wise Cloak Room Details
🚉 New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
- First 24 hours: ₹30 per package
- Each additional 24 hours: ₹30
- Bicycle (if accepted): ₹60 per day
- Mostly 24×7 facility
🚉 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
- Digital Smart Cloak Rooms (Digilockers)
- Barcode & CCTV-based security
- 300 digital lockers available
Implemented under NINFRIS (New Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme).
🚉 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)
- Digital lockers available
- 100 digilockers installed
- Faster than traditional counters
🚉 Anand Vihar Terminal
- Regular cloak room facility
- Charges as per standard railway rates
- Near waiting hall area
🚉 Sealdah Railway Station
- Large cloak room capacity
- Multiple counters
- Suitable for long-duration storage
| Duration | Cloak Room |
|---|---|
| First 24 hrs | ₹20 per package |
| For each Next Subsequent 24 hrs or part thereof | ₹25 |
🚉 New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP)
| Duration | Cloak Room | Locker |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 hrs | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Next 24 hrs | ₹12 | ₹20 |
| Subsequent 24 hrs | ₹15 | ₹25 |
Cloak Room Timings at Railway Station
- Most major stations: 24×7
- Smaller stations: As per station working hours
- Some cloak rooms may close briefly during shift changes
Always deposit luggage well before peak hours.
Read next — IRCTC Retiring Room Booking Guide
Rules You Must Know Before Using a Cloak Room
- Bags must be locked
- Receipt is mandatory for collection
- Perishable, explosive, or dangerous items are NOT allowed
- Loss of receipt may delay luggage return
- Digital payments may not be available everywhere
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Long queues: Arrive early
Cash-only payment: Carry small cash
Cloak room full: Try lockers or alternate counters
Unclear rules: Ask staff or check notice board
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can use a cloak room at railway station?
Any passenger with a valid train ticket (past, present, or upcoming). Platform ticket holders may be allowed at some stations.
Q2. Is luggage safe in railway cloak rooms?
Yes. Cloak rooms are managed by Indian Railways and monitored, especially at major stations.
Q3. Can I store luggage for more than one day?
Yes. Additional charges apply for every extra 24 hours.
Q4. Is online booking available?
Currently, online booking is not available for most stations. Booking is done at the counter.
Q5. Are digital lockers better than normal cloak rooms?
Yes. They are faster, more secure, and require less manual handling.
Final Tips for Passengers
- Lock your luggage properly
- Keep the receipt safe
- Arrive early during peak travel seasons
- Avoid storing valuables
Final Word
The Cloak Room at Railway Station is one of the most useful yet underrated facilities provided by Indian Railways. Whether you’re on a short stopover or exploring the city between trains, it offers a safe, economical, and convenient solution for luggage storage.