Railway Parcel Booking from Howrah Station: Complete Guide
Learn how railway parcel booking from Howrah Station works, including parcel office locations, required documents, freight scales, and how to book hassle-free with doorstep pickup.
Howrah Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India, with long-distance trains to almost every major city, which makes it the starting point for a great deal of parcel traffic from Kolkata. This guide explains how railway parcel booking from Howrah works, who you book with, and what to prepare.
Our roots are at Howrah
ParcelJi is run by M/S Ravi Enterprises, an authorised railway parcel agent. Our family has worked in the parcel and cargo trade at Howrah for over 50 years, across three generations, and we have handled lakhs of parcels at Howrah, Kolkata and Shalimar. We are a private business and not part of Indian Railways itself.
Who you book with
Parcel space on most trains, in the luggage and parcel vans (coded SLR, VPU or VPH), is leased by the railways to authorised private operators through tenders, and the railways keep a smaller share at each station. Depending on the train and the space available, a parcel from Howrah is booked either with the private lessee who holds the space, or with the railway's own parcel office. On leased space the rate is decided by the lease holder, and on the railway's own space the charge depends on weight and distance. We tell you which one it is, and the rate, before you book.
Stations around Kolkata
Howrah Junction (HWH) is the main station for long-distance parcels, but Kolkata also has other stations, such as Sealdah and Santragachi, with their own trains. Which station is best depends on your destination and the train that has parcel space, so ask for the options before you pack and choose a direct train where you can.
What people send from Howrah
Household goods, cartons of trade goods, textiles, books and personal luggage are all sent from Howrah, and so are two-wheelers. Vehicles have extra rules: the fuel tank must be empty, the battery disconnected, and the RC and ID papers are needed. Dangerous, flammable and illegal goods are not allowed, and perishable goods are generally not accepted.
How booking works, step by step
- Count and pack. Know how many packages you have, seal every seam and label each with the receiver's name, phone number and destination.
- Choose the train. Ask which trains from Howrah have parcel space to your destination, who holds it, and when booking closes.
- Prepare the papers. A photo ID of the sender, the receiver's details and, for business goods, an invoice. An e-way bill is needed above the GST value limit.
- Book and keep the receipt. The consignment is weighed and recorded, and a receipt (LR) is issued by whoever holds the space. Keep it safe.
- Track and collect. Share the LR number with the receiver, who collects at the destination with photo ID and the receipt.
Timing and planning
The time depends on the train, whether it runs direct, loading and unloading at both ends and the booking cut-off. Space on any train is limited, so book a day or two ahead, and ask for the expected arrival when you book. Howrah is crowded at weekends and around festivals, so plan extra time.
Skip the queue with ParcelJi
Our verified station agents handle pickup, booking and delivery coordination from Howrah and Kolkata. You can follow your consignment on our tracking page and get updates on phone or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I book a parcel at Howrah?
With the private lessee who holds parcel space on your train, or with the railway parcel office, depending on the train and the space available. ParcelJi can arrange either.
Who decides the rate for a parcel from Howrah?
On leased space, the lease holder decides the rate. On the railway's own space, the charge depends on weight and distance. We tell you the rate before you book.
Can I send a bike from Howrah?
Yes, as parcel cargo, subject to train and space. The tank must be empty and the battery disconnected, and you need the RC and a photo ID.
Do I need to be present at the destination?
You or the receiver named on the booking must collect the parcel with photo ID and the receipt.
How long does a parcel from Howrah take?
It depends on the train and the route. Ask for the expected arrival when you book.
Can ParcelJi collect from my address in Kolkata?
Yes, where an agent is available. Share your pickup location when you request a booking.