Calling all commuters: Is your phone still in your pocket?

KOCHI: Check your pockets, check your chargers, and for heaven's sake, check under the seat! New data from the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) has revealed a nationwide epidemic of "Forgetful Phone Syndrome."

In just the last two and a half years, a staggering 48,26,128 people have managed to leave their mobile phones behind at railway stations or on trains across India. Whether it’s a high-end smartphone or a trusty keypad, the tracks are eating them up!

Leaderboard of loss

While Delhi wears the crown for the most forgetful commuters, Maharashtra and Karnataka aren't far behind. Kerala sits comfortably (and perhaps a bit more carefully) at the 15th spot.

Here is the full breakdown of the Top 10 states where phones go missing:

Kerala’s scorecard 🌴

Down south in Kerala, the numbers are lower but still startling. 72,019 people have filed complaints with the CEIR. The good news? The Railway Police are on the case! They’ve already recovered 15,202 phones, including a batch of 65 phones that were joyfully reunited with their owners just the other day.

Why are we so forgetful 💤🏃‍♂️

The Railway Police have narrowed it down to two main culprits:

1. The Deep Sleepers: Waking up at the last second as the train pulls into the station and scrambling for the door.
2. The Platform Dash: The chaotic rush to board or deboard, where phones slip out of loose pockets or are left on charging points in the hurry.

CEIR: Tech-wizard finding your phone 🛡️

Since it came into effect on May 17, 2023, the CEIR has become a thief's worst nightmare.

• Instant Lockdown: The moment you report a loss, the phone is deactivated. It becomes a useless brick.
• The SIM Trap: If someone tries to use a stolen phone with a new SIM card, the system instantly alerts both the police and the original owner with the new SIM holder's details.
• Current Success: Nationwide, 9,39,099 phones have been recovered, and the Railway Police are currently closing in on 47,500 more that have been successfully traced.

"If the phone is lost, you should immediately file a complaint with CEIR. This will help you get the phone back quickly. If it is found to be stolen, a case will be registered," says Muhammad Nadimuddin, SP Railway Police.