Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Sudhir Singh
Losing a valuable item while traveling on Indian Railways can feel overwhelming. Operation Amanat, a dedicated initiative by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), offers a reliable way to find misplaced belongings.
Through diligent CCTV monitoring, a structured recovery process, and close coordination with train staff, Operation Amanat has reunited thousands of passengers with items like wallets, passports, jewelry, and electronics. If you ever lose something on a train, Operation Amanat ensures there is real hope of getting it back.
Through a structured recovery process, CCTV monitoring, and coordination with train staff, Operation Amanat has successfully reunited thousands of passengers with their misplaced items, ranging from wallets and passports to jewellery and electronics.
If you have ever lost something on a train, this initiative ensures that there is still hope of getting it back.
What is Operation Amanat?
Operation Amanat is a special drive by Indian Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) that helps passengers recover items lost during their train journeys. The initiative involves:
- A Lost & Found tracking system, where misplaced belongings are logged and stored until they are claimed.
- Immediate action by RPF officers, who check CCTV footage, train records, and passenger reports to locate lost items.
- A centralized Lost Property Portal, where passengers can check whether their missing item has been found.
- Quick retrieval and return of items after identity verification to prevent fraud.
Read More: Indian Railway Cloakroom Rules & Charges
Operation Amanat: Initiative Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | To help passengers recover lost items on trains and at railway stations. |
| Managed By | Railway Protection Force (RPF) |
| How It Works | CCTV tracking, train staff coordination, and Lost & Found databases. |
| Reporting Method | Railway helpline (139), Lost & Found counters, online portal. |
| Common Items Recovered | Wallets, mobile phones, jewelry, documents, laptops, suitcases. |
| Official Website | Indian Railways Lost & Found |
How to Report a Lost Item Under Operation Amanat
If you realise you have lost something on a train or at a railway station, follow these steps to increase your chances of recovering it:
- Report the loss immediately to railway staff, the Lost & Found counter, or call Indian Railways’ helpline at 139.
- Provide details about the lost item, including its description, the train number, coach details, and where you last saw it.
- Check the online Lost Property Portal (Western Railway Lost & Found) to see if your item has been registered.
- Collect the item with identity verification if it has been found.
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Operation Amanat Latest Updates
The RPF of Central Railway and Western Railway continues to go above and beyond its core responsibility of safeguarding railway property. Through initiatives like Operation Amanat and Operation Nanhe Farishte, the Railway Protection Force ensured the safety of passengers’ belongings and played a key role in reuniting lost children with their families. From January to November 2024, the RPF successfully retrieved and returned lost luggage worth over Rs. 1 crore.
In the month of January, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the South Central Railway (SCR) zone rescued 91 children, including 21 girls, who were either missing or were separated from their families under ‘Operation Nanhe Fariste.’
Central Railway’s RPF rescued more than 350 children who were alone or in distress at stations. They also returned lost items valued at over Rs. 2.55 crore. Operation Amanat supports quick recovery of misplaced luggage. These efforts boost passenger confidence and protect vulnerable children at railway premises.
Real-Life Cases of Lost Items Recovered Under Operation Amanat
1. Businessman Recovers Laptop Left on Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Express
A businessman traveling from Delhi to Mumbai left his laptop bag under his seat while getting off at Mumbai Central Station. He reported the loss immediately to the railway staff.
How Operation Amanat Helped:
- CCTV footage was reviewed to track his movements.
- The train’s cleaning staff was alerted and found the laptop in the coach.
- The laptop was stored in the Lost & Found office and returned to him within 24 hours after verification.
Source: Western Railway Lost & Found Reports
2. Elderly Man Recovers Gold Jewelry in Chennai
An elderly man traveling from Chennai to Bangalore forgot a pouch containing gold ornaments worth ₹2.5 lakh in his seat.
How Operation Amanat Helped:
- The train’s cleaning crew reported the pouch to the RPF officers.
- The gold jewelry was safely secured and verified before being returned.
- The passenger was able to reclaim his valuables the same day.
Source: RPF Chennai Division
3. College Student Gets Passport and Documents Back in Kolkata
A student traveling from Howrah to Delhi lost her backpack containing her passport, visa, and college documents.
How Operation Amanat Helped:
- RPF officers checked CCTV footage and seat records to locate the backpack.
- The train was inspected at the next stop, where the bag was found under a seat.
- The student retrieved her belongings in time for her visa appointment.
Source: Eastern Railway Lost Property Office
4. IT Professional Recovers Phone and Wallet in Hyderabad
An IT professional left behind his wallet and mobile phone on a train from Hyderabad to Pune.
How Operation Amanat Helped:
- The passenger reported the issue immediately, and railway authorities tracked the phone’s location.
- The train staff retrieved the wallet and phone at the next station.
- He collected his belongings after identity verification.
Source: South Central Railway RPF Initiatives
5. Family Reunited with Missing Suitcase in Lucknow
A family traveling from Varanasi to Lucknow accidentally left a suitcase containing clothes and gifts on the train.
How Operation Amanat Helped:
- The train’s cleaning crew found the suitcase and reported it to the RPF.
- It was secured in the Lost & Found office at Lucknow station.
- The family was able to collect it the same day.
Source: Northern Railway RPF Lost & Found
Other Key RPF Initiatives for Passenger Safety
1. Operation Nanhe Farishtey
- Focuses on rescuing missing and abandoned children found at railway stations.
- Helps reunite children with their families or place them under child welfare authorities.
- Works in collaboration with NGOs and social services.
Source: RPF Child Rescue Operations
2. Operation Dignity
- Provides support for elderly, homeless, and destitute individuals at railway stations.
- Helps reunite lost elderly passengers with their families.
- Works with social service organizations to provide aid and shelter.
Source: Indian Railways RPF Initiatives
3. Operation Yatri Suraksha
- Enhances passenger security on trains and at stations.
- Deploys RPF personnel and CCTV surveillance to prevent crimes like theft, harassment, and unattended baggage threats.
- Ensures quick response to passenger safety concerns.
Source: RPF Passenger Security Measures
Conclusion: Why Operation Amanat Matters
Losing an item on a train no longer means it’s gone forever. Operation Amanat has successfully returned thousands of lost belongings to passengers, thanks to swift action by RPF, advanced tracking methods, and a structured lost property system.
Key Takeaways
- Report lost items immediately through the 139 helpline or Lost & Found counters.
- Check online lost property databases to see if your belongings have been found.
- Be vigilant and keep valuables secure while traveling.
- Indian Railways and RPF continue to launch safety and security initiatives, ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.
If you ever lose something on a train, don’t panic—Operation Amanat is there to help.
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