Train News: Dropped your phone or valuables on railway tracks? Here's the safe and official way to get them back.

Indian Railways Rule: If you drop a valuable item onto the tracks while boarding a train, there is no need to panic. You can retrieve your belongings by following a few simple steps. Find out how.

Indian Railways Rule: Often, on the day of a scheduled train journey, something unexpected happens that causes a delay in reaching the station. Consequently, passengers rush to catch the train, and mishaps can occur during this haste. Imagine boarding the train only to have a valuable item—such as a wallet, mobile phone, or earphones—fall out of the moving train onto the tracks; what would you do? Naturally, anyone would panic in such a situation.

Some passengers attempt to climb down onto the tracks to retrieve their belongings themselves; however, doing so is illegal and poses a serious risk to life. If your item falls onto the tracks, stay calm and follow the essential steps outlined by the Railways.

Essential First Steps

If your item falls onto the tracks, the first step is to report the incident by calling the Railway helpline number, 139.
Alternatively, you can register a complaint via the RailMadad portal or mobile app.
You can also seek assistance from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in such cases.
Additionally, it is crucial to inform the TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) on board the train about the incident.

Will the item be recovered?

You must submit a written complaint to railway officials to help identify the item. You will need to provide details about the object so it can be accurately identified. Once the complaint is filed, an RPF team searches the area you specified. If the item is found, railway officials will inform you, and it will be returned to you following the prescribed procedure.

Important Points to Remember

If an item falls onto the railway tracks, do not attempt to climb down onto the tracks yourself to retrieve it. Also, do not make the mistake of pulling the emergency chain; pulling it unnecessarily on the railway track is a violation of the law. In such situations, it is best to seek assistance from railway officials.