This content was recently updated by Sudhir Singh on May 11, 2025 to improve accuracy.
Indian Railway cloakrooms, a vital part of railway station services, let you store your luggage safely at major stations for a few hours or days. Just lock your bag, show a train ticket, pay a small fee, and keep the luggage deposit receipt.
Cloak room charges at railway stations range from ₹20–₹100 for 24 hours. Most take only cash. Some stations offer faster self-service railway station lockers.
Cloakrooms can get crowded, so arrive early. Good ones are at Delhi, Mumbai CSMT, Howrah, Bangalore, and Chennai. If full, try hotel storage or private services. They’re great for regular bags, not valuables. Plan ahead and travel light.
If you’re travelling by train in India and need a safe, affordable, and convenient place to store your luggage, the Indian Railways cloakroom is a great option. Whether you have a long layover, want to explore the city without dragging your bags around, or just need a secure place to keep your belongings before your journey, railway cloakrooms can be a lifesaver.
However, if you’ve never used one before, you might have a few questions:
How much does it cost?
What are the cloakroom rules?
Are railway cloakrooms safe?
What are the common issues travellers face?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using a cloak room at the railway station, from how it works to tips for a smooth experience.
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What’s a Railway Cloakroom?
It’s a place at the train station where you can store your luggage for a few hours or days. You lock your bag, show your train ticket, pay a small fee, and get a receipt to pick it up later. This cloak room facility is an essential part of railway passenger services.
Why it’s useful:
- You can explore freely without your luggage
- It’s cheap and offers secure bag storage
- Great for short-term luggage storage during long layovers or early arrivals
- Found at almost all big railway stations
That said, the experience can vary. Some cloakrooms are clean and efficient, others might be crowded or slower. So knowing what to expect helps.
How to Use a Railway Cloakroom (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find the Cloakroom
Usually near the main entrance or waiting halls. Look for signs or ask the staff about the platform, the cloakroom railway station location.
Step 2: Lock Your Bag
Only locked bags are accepted. No loose items or plastic bags.
Step 3: Show Your Train Ticket.
You’ll need a valid ticket (past, current, or upcoming) to use the service.
Step 4: Pay the Charges.
The price depends on your bag size and luggage storage duration.
Step 5: Keep Your Receipt Safe
You will need the luggage deposit receipt to collect your bag later. Don’t lose it.
Step 6: Pick Up Your Bag on Time
Get back before the storage time ends, or you might have to pay extra.
Pro Tip: Some places still don’t accept UPIs or cards. Carry small change just in case.
Read More: What Are Indian Railways’ New ‘M’ Coaches (AC 3 Economy)?
How Much Does It Cost? (Approximate)
| Duration | Bag Size | Price (Per Bag) |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 Hours | Small (backpack, laptop) | ₹20 – ₹30 |
| Medium (carry-on size) | ₹30 – ₹40 | |
| Large (suitcase, trunk) | ₹50 – ₹100 | |
| After 24 Hours | Per hour (extra) | ₹5 – ₹10 |
| Per day (extra) | ₹20 – ₹30 |
Railway cloakroom fees may be a bit higher at busy stations like New Delhi or Mumbai.
Read More: What Are Indian Railways’ New ‘M’ Coaches (AC 3 Economy)?
Common Issues (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Long Lines
Some cloakrooms get busy, especially during holidays. Try to arrive early.
2. Staff Not Very Helpful
Sometimes the service can be slow or rude. Stay polite, and ask for a supervisor if needed.
3. Cash-Only Payments
Many places still don’t accept digital payments. Bring small cash notes.
4. Full Cloakrooms
They fill up fast at popular stations. Check early to get a spot.
5. Not Always Clean or Well-Maintained
If it looks unsafe, consider using a nearby private storage option.
Quick Tip: Some stations now offer self-service lockers. They’re faster and easier to use.
Top Stations with Good Cloakrooms
Cloakrooms are available in the majority of India’s major train stations, but not all of them are kept up to date. While some may have lengthy lines, antiquated technology, or inadequate management, others may provide modern, hygienic, and secure luggage storage at railway stations. The top train cloakrooms in India are listed here; they were picked for their effectiveness, cleanliness, and railway luggage security.
1. New Delhi (NDLS)
- 24/7 service, CCTV cameras
- Digital payments accepted
- Located near Platform 1 and Ajmeri Gate
Tip: The cloakroom at NDLS gets crowded fast—arrive early
2. Mumbai CSMT
- Self-service lockers available
- Barcode tracking for bags
- Near Platform 12
Tip: Lockers are faster than regular counters
3. Howrah, Kolkata
- Recently upgraded cloakroom in Howrah station
- Multiple counters to reduce wait time
- Near the main entrance
Tip: Make sure your lock is strong—weak ones might get rejected
4. Bangalore City (SBC)
- Barcode tracking
- Clean and organized cloak room in KSR Bangalore railway station
- Near the ticket counter
Tip: Good for longer stays
5. Egmore, Chennai
- Clean and well-run
- Digital payment supported
- Close to the waiting hall
Tip: Great location to explore central Chennai
6. Secunderabad Railway Station Cloak Room
- Spacious, even during peak hours
- Affordable
- Near Platform 1
Tip: Usually less crowded than other metro stations
7. MGR Chennai Central
- Air-conditioned cloakroom
- CCTV and tracking system
- Inside the main concourse
Tip: Good for storing electronics or temperature-sensitive items
8. Pune Junction
- Clean, with short wait times
- Affordable compared to metro stations
- Near Platform 1
Tip: Useful if you’re heading to Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar
9. Ahmedabad Junction
- Fast and efficient service
- CCTV-monitored
- Near the ticketing area
Tip: Great stop for Rann of Kutch or Gir trips
10. Lucknow Charbagh
- Spacious and well-organized
- Multiple counters
- Near the general waiting hall
Tip: Make sure you find the cloakroom that matches your departure zone.
What to Do If the Cloakroom is Full
Private Luggage Services: Many cities have paid luggage drop-off points that you can book online. Hotel Concierge: If you’re staying at a hotel, they might hold your bags for free. Metro or Airport Lockers: Some cities offer secure storage at metro stations or airports.
Should You Use a Cloakroom? Yes, if you need a cheap, short-term luggage storage at a railway station, safely. No, if you’re carrying valuables or need 100% guaranteed safety.
Final Tips:
- Lock your bag properly.
- Keep your receipt safe.
- Plan.
- Bring small cash notes.
- Arrive early to avoid the rush.
Cloakrooms are a simple and helpful way to make your train travel easier. And if Indian Railways starts offering online booking for them, that’d make things even better. Currently, there’s no option to book a cloakroom at a railway station online, but this could be a future improvement in railway station amenities.
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