Traveling by train is a popular and cost-effective way to explore India, offering a secure mode of transportation to your chosen destination. Nonetheless, the possibility of losing your luggage can be distressing. Fortunately, there are established procedures to assist you in the event of such an unfortunate incident.
Surprisingly, many individuals are unaware of the process for reporting lost luggage on a train, and some might even believe that doing so is futile. However, contrary to this misconception, railway authorities have a track record of successfully reuniting passengers with their missing belongings.
If, by any chance, you misplace your luggage on a train or at a station, it is crucial to promptly contact the railway authorities, particularly the Railway Police Force (RPF). In the event that your luggage cannot be located, you have the option to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the RPF.
THEFT OF LUGGAGE :
A prescribed FIR Form in English, Hindi and regional Language is available in the Timetable or with ‘TTEs/Guards or GRP escort. After filling it up, the form may be handed over to one of the official viz., TTE, Guard or GRP escort for registration of the report at the next police station. All at the above services and commitments will be honored without the citizens’ having to pay any bribe
In cases of luggage theft or if your possessions are stolen while on a moving train, your first point of contact should be the train conductor, coach attendant, or a guard. They will provide you with an FIR form, which should be completed accurately and returned to the officials. This report will then be forwarded to the local Police Station for further action. Importantly, you do not need to interrupt or terminate your journey to file this complaint; simply visit the RPF Assistance Posts at any railway station.
LUGGAGE GETS STOLEN EN ROUTE :
IN case of theft of luggage, robbery / dacoits in running trains, you can approach train conductors/coach attendant/guards or GRP escort. They will give you the FIR Forms ,which may be duly filled in and handed over to them. The complaint will then be forwarded to the Police Station for necessary action. You need not break your Journey to lodge a complaint with the police .you can also approach the RPF Assistance Posts at major railway stations, for any assistance in lodging the complaint.
LUGGAGE IS LOST OR DAMAGE :
Where value of the luggage booked has not been declared beforehand by the consignor and the prescribing percentage charge not paid the monetary liability of the railways has been limited to Rs. 100/- per Kg. However, where the consignor has declared the value of the consignment and has also paid percentage charges, he will be entitled to get the claimed amount which will not exceed the value of the luggage so declared at the time of booking . The procedure of payment of percentage charge can be enquired from the luggage booking office.
So, how can you recover 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 upon verification of the necessary documents, your luggage will be returned to you. However, if a valuable or expensive item is recovered, it will be held at the station for a maximum of 24 hours before being sent to the zonal office.
