A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of how parcels and courier packages are handled on Indian Railways. In the now-viral clip, staff are seen unloading parcels from a train and carelessly throwing packages onto the platform and even directly onto the tracks. The visuals have alarmed travellers and senders who rely on the railway network for the safe delivery of goods.
The incident reportedly occurred on 24 November 2025 at Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh. A passenger standing at the platform filmed the video, capturing workers tossing bags with force. When the handlers noticed they were being recorded, they briefly paused—only to resume soon after, raising further questions about negligence and disregard for parcel safety.
What the Video Shows — and Why It Matters
The viral footage clearly shows two men unloading courier bags from a train. Instead of placing the parcels safely on the platform, one worker flings them aggressively, while the other throws them directly onto railway tracks. Such mishandling poses a high risk of damaging the items inside, including fragile goods, electronics, or important documents.
Angry reactions poured in across social media platforms. Many viewers questioned how often such mishandling goes unnoticed and how many parcels might have already been damaged during transportation. The lack of accountability seen in the video has reignited concerns over the quality of India’s parcel-handling procedures.
Official Response: Who Is Responsible?
Following the outrage, the railway authorities stated that the parcels belonged to the India Post RMS (Railway Mail Service) and were being handled by RMS staff, not regular railway parcel-handling employees. They also confirmed that the matter has been forwarded to the concerned department for corrective action.
The clarification mirrors earlier incidents where railway officials distanced themselves from third-party or contracted handlers. However, for the general public, the distinction between railway and postal staff makes little difference—especially when their parcels are at risk of damage.
Parcel Mishandling: A Recurring Problem
The issue of parcel mishandling is not new. Over the years, multiple videos from different parts of the country have shown similar negligence during loading and unloading processes. Whether handled by contractors, India Post staff, or railway-associated workers, the pattern suggests deeper systemic challenges.
Improper training, lack of supervision, heavy workload, and the absence of modern parcel-handling infrastructure contribute to these repeated incidents. In many places, parcels are still moved manually without trolleys, ramps, or mechanical support—leading workers to resort to throwing bags to save time.
Public Reaction & Growing Concerns
Citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of strict penalties for mishandling. Many pointed out that parcels often contain delicate items sent across states for personal, commercial, or emergency purposes. Damage caused by rough handling disrupts trust in the transportation system and creates financial losses for senders.
Others raised safety concerns: parcels thrown onto active railway tracks could potentially obstruct movement, cause technical issues, or even pose a hazard to approaching trains. The general sentiment is that the absence of accountability encourages such behaviour to continue unchecked.
What Needs to Change
The latest incident highlights the urgent need for reforms in parcel-handling protocols. Experts argue that:
- Clear accountability must be established between India Post, railway authorities, and contracted workers.
- Dedicated equipment such as trolleys, conveyor belts, and loading ramps should be made mandatory.
- CCTV cameras must be installed at all major loading/unloading points.
- Strict penalties, including fines and suspensions, should be enforced for any form of mishandling.
Only a combination of better oversight, technology adoption, and stronger enforcement can prevent such incidents from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where and when did the incident take place?
The incident reportedly occurred on 24 November 2025 at Maa Belha Devi Dham Pratapgarh Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh. The video was filmed by a passenger waiting on the platform.
2. Who was handling the parcels?
According to official statements, the parcels belonged to the India Post RMS and were being handled by RMS employees, not the standard railway parcel-handling staff.
3. Were the parcels from e-commerce companies?
No. In this particular incident, the parcels were from India Post. However, previous similar incidents across India have involved e-commerce parcels as well.
4. Has Indian Railways responded to such issues before?
Yes. In past incidents, railways clarified that contracted agencies or external handlers were responsible. However, criticism continues due to lack of strict oversight.
5. Is parcel mishandling common?
Unfortunately, multiple viral videos over the years suggest that mishandling is not rare. Lack of proper infrastructure and training contributes to the problem.
6. What risks does parcel mishandling pose?
It can damage fragile items, delay deliveries, and result in financial loss. Mishandled parcels may also be tampered with or lost during transit.
7. Are there safety risks to trains?
Yes. Throwing parcels onto tracks can obstruct railway lines, interfere with equipment, and pose danger to oncoming trains.
8. What action has been taken?
The concerned postal authorities have been notified and directed to investigate the matter, with further corrective steps expected.
9. Are there official guidelines for parcel handling?
Yes. Both Indian Railways and India Post have guidelines requiring safe handling. Violations can lead to penalties, although enforcement is inconsistent.
10. What can senders do if their parcel arrives damaged?
Senders should document the damage with photos, keep receipts, and immediately file a complaint with India Post or the relevant parcel service provider.
Conclusion
The viral video showing parcel handlers throwing packages onto the platform and railway tracks has reignited public concerns about the safety of goods transported through railways and India Post. While authorities have clarified responsibilities, customers expect reliable handling regardless of which agency is involved. Stronger supervision, modern infrastructure, and strict accountability measures are essential to prevent such incidents from repeating. Citizens rely on these services, and ensuring their trust should be a top priority for all parties involved.
Report by Toofan Express