India, June 26 -- Sportspersons will now be allowed to carry javelins and bulky sports equipment on trains even if these items exceed the prescribed dimensions. However, pole-vault poles have been excluded from the relaxation.

In a recently issued circular, the railway ministry made provisions for the carriage of oversized and fragile sports equipment of non-standard dimensions in trains.

The relaxation followed reports highlighting the difficulties faced by sportspersons in carrying equipment of non-standard dimensions while travelling by train.

The circular states that javelins and other bulky sports equipment may be booked and carried in the available luggage space of trains on a priority basis, subject to payment of the applicable ...