diff --git a/gateway/run.py b/gateway/run.py
index 458603c3115..56185190e26 100644
--- a/gateway/run.py
+++ b/gateway/run.py
@@ -12546,6 +12546,12 @@ class GatewayRunner:
             and getattr(source, "chat_type", None) == "dm"
         ):
             metadata["telegram_dm_topic_reply_fallback"] = True
+            # Telegram DM topic lanes need direct_messages_topic_id in metadata
+            # so synthetic/queued messages (goal continuations, status notices)
+            # route to the correct topic even when reply anchor is unavailable.
+            tid = str(thread_id)
+            if tid and tid not in {"", "1"}:
+                metadata["direct_messages_topic_id"] = tid
             anchor = reply_to_message_id or getattr(source, "message_id", None)
             if anchor is not None:
                 metadata["telegram_reply_to_message_id"] = str(anchor)