What To Do When Your Luggage Gets Stolen On A Train

Travelling by train is one of the most popular ways to explore India. It’s cost-effective and provides a safe mode of transportation to your desired destination. However, there’s always a possibility of losing your luggage, which can be quite distressing. Fortunately, there are rules in place to assist you if you find yourself in such a situation.

Surprisingly, a significant number of people are unaware that they can file a complaint in the event of lost luggage, or they might not be familiar with the process. Some even believe that filing a complaint is futile, assuming they won’t retrieve their belongings. Contrary to this belief, reports indicate that railway authorities have successfully reunited many passengers with their lost luggage.

If, by any chance, you misplace your belongings on a train or at a station, it’s crucial to immediately contact the railway authorities, specifically the Railway Police Force (RPF). If they are unable to locate your luggage, you have the option to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the RPF.

In cases of luggage theft, or if your belongings have been stolen from a moving train, approach the train conductor, coach attendant or a guard first. They will provide you with an FIR form, which should be filled out accurately and returned to the officials. This complaint will be forwarded to the local Police Station for further action. You don’t need to interrupt or terminate your journey to file this complaint; simply visit the RPF Assistance Posts at any railway station.

Now, how do you retrieve your lost luggage? Typically, if your belongings are found, they will be brought to the station where the complaint was filed. You will be contacted and after verifying the necessary documents, your luggage will be returned to you. However, if a valuable or expensive item is recovered, it will be kept at the station for a maximum of 24 hours before being sent to the zonal office.