Trains and holidays are synonymous with travel. The vast network of Indian Railways is incredibly expansive. One of the most pertinent questions that frequently appears on the internet is — Can you carry alcohol on a train? And if yes, how much is actually allowed?
While air travel policies are clear and uniform, rules aboard trains vary depending on state laws, enforcement practices, and what exactly you are carrying.
Legal Laws and Their Limits
While flights allow a certain quantity of sealed liquor bottles in checked baggage, the Indian Railways does not officially offer a single nationwide rule permitting passengers to carry alcohol. This is because liquor laws fall under state excise regulations, not central railway regulations. Every state has its own set of rules on how much alcohol can be transported, whether a permit is required, and whether possession is legal or not.
In many states, travellers are allowed to carry up to two litres of sealed alcohol for personal consumption, provided the bottles are purchased from licensed outlets and accompanied by a purchase bill. The bottles must remain sealed, packed with luggage, and crucially — cannot be consumed onboard. Train coaches and stations are public spaces, making alcohol consumption there a punishable offence.
These rules and regulations do not hold true when passengers travel into dry states, which include Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, and certain parts of Lakshadweep. Travelling with alcohol in these states can lead to fines and confiscation.
No Drinking Onboard
Beyond the different rules about carrying alcohol, consuming it on the train is strictly prohibited. The reasons include shared public spaces, mixed passenger groups, and the need to avoid disorderly behaviour. If a passenger is found intoxicated, authorities are empowered to offload them at the next station and issue penalties.
Open alcohol consumption is also prohibited at all railway stations and platforms in India.
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