Parcels in Peril: RTC Cargo Faces Growing Backlog -  Thousands of items left unclaimed; public auctions to start next week

Deccan News Service | Hyderabad 

Hyderabad: Thousands of cargo bookings at RTC bus stations are going unclaimed every month, leading to a growing backlog of undelivered items. From household appliances and electronic gadgets to clothing and food products, hundreds of parcels remain pending, prompting RTC to prepare for public auctions.

RTC Cargo officials report that approximately 5,000–6,000 parcels are transported every month from the Mahatma Gandhi and Jubilee bus stations to various parts of Telangana and vice versa. Despite this, 500–850 items remain undelivered each month due to incorrect addresses, wrong phone numbers, or customers simply not collecting their goods even after repeated reminders.

To manage the accumulating stock, RTC has started auctioning items pending for more than 45 days. Currently, around 350 items at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station and 542 items at Jubilee Bus Station are ready for auction. A committee will prepare a list of unclaimed items, and as per RTC rules, the original price will be reduced by 50% in the first phase of the auction. Items unsold in the first round will be re-auctioned at 30% of their original price.

Officials emphasize that parcels such as automobiles and electrical appliances booked under cash-on-delivery are often left unclaimed. Parcel charges are initially free for three days, but after this period, fees increase significantly, further motivating timely collection.

The auctions have garnered strong public interest, with buyers seeking quality branded products at prices 30–50% lower than retail rates. RTC officials encourage customers to collect their parcels promptly to avoid loss and reduce unnecessary congestion at cargo centers.

Experts advise consumers to verify addresses and phone numbers carefully when sending or receiving parcels and to collect shipments on time. Timely collection not only prevents personal loss but also ensures the smooth operation of logistics services for other customers.

RTC Cargo officials reaffirm that public cooperation is crucial to maintain efficiency in parcel delivery, and the upcoming auctions provide an opportunity for citizens to acquire a variety of products at affordable prices while helping clear the pending backlog.