Kollam: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has returned belongings worth Rs 12.54 crore, left behind or lost by passengers during train journeys over the past two years. According to available data for 2025 and 2026 from the Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions, a total of 2,109 items were recovered and handed over to their owners.

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The RPF retrieves luggage and valuables left behind by passengers on trains and returns them to their owners as soon as information is received, Mohammed Haneef, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram, told Mathrubhumi.

When a complaint is received about a missing item, officials track the train's location and alert the RPF team. The items are then traced by checking the relevant coach and seat based on the details provided by passengers.

Gold ornaments, laptops, mobile phones, cash and other valuables are among the items commonly recovered. Railway authorities advise passengers to contact railway officials or the RPF immediately if they lose their luggage during a journey. While filing a complaint, passengers should provide details such as the train number, coach and seat number.

Film footage worth nearly Rs 3 crore among lost items

Among the belongings left behind on trains was a hard disk containing footage from a film shoot. Its estimated value is around Rs 3 crore.

How to report lost belongings

- Passengers who lose luggage or valuables during train journeys can file a complaint through the railway helpline number 139, or via the Rail Madad app or portal.

- They should provide details such as the train number, coach, berth number, and the colour and size of the bag. If bags containing cash or gold are recovered, an inventory is prepared in the presence of independent witnesses.

- Lost mobile phones can also be reported through the CEIR portal using their IMEI numbers.

- Passengers can collect their belongings by producing identity proof and ticket details. Those unable to visit in person can authorise relatives to collect the items on their behalf.

- No fee is charged for collecting recovered belongings.