Indian Railways has launched a new initiative to help passengers recover their lost or stolen mobile phones. In partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has introduced a system that allows passengers to report lost phones through Rail Madad or by dialing 139.
Passengers who do not wish to file an FIR can register a complaint on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. The RPF's zonal cyber cell will then file the complaint and block the device's IMEI number, rendering it useless.
"If a lost phone is detected with a new SIM card, the user will be advised to return it to the nearest RPF post. The rightful owner can reclaim their phone by presenting the required documents. In cases of non-compliance, the RPF can file an FIR and escalate the matter to the district police " said an official.
The CEIR portal is a digital platform designed to block, track, and manage lost or stolen mobile phones. The RPF can now use this portal to recover lost phones and prevent illegal possession and resale.
The initiative follows the success of a pilot program conducted in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in May 2024. The trial led to the recovery of multiple lost mobile phones and the apprehension of individuals involved in mobile theft.
With the expansion of this initiative across the country, the RPF is confident that it will significantly aid in the swift recovery of lost devices for railway passengers.
