The Railway Board has taken a significant step to increase ex-gratia payments in cases of death or injury resulting from train accidents. This revision marks a tenfold increase from previous levels, signalling a crucial update in the compensation structure. The ex-gratia relief scheme had remained unchanged since its last revision in 2012 and 2013.
In a circular dated September 18, the Railway Board officially announced the revision of ex-gratia relief payouts. This circular, obtained by PTI, confirmed the board’s decision to enhance the compensation amounts for dependents of passengers involved in train accidents and untoward incidents.
Compensation for deceased increased to Rs 5 lakh
One of the key changes introduced is an increase in ex-gratia relief for the dependents of passengers who tragically lost their lives in train or manned level crossing accidents. Under the new scheme, the relatives of deceased passengers will receive a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, a substantial increase from the previous Rs 50,000. Those who suffer grievous injuries will now be entitled to Rs 2.5 lakh, compared to the previous amount of Rs 25,000. Passengers with less severe injuries will receive Rs 50,000, a significant rise from the previous Rs 5,000.
Furthermore, the circular extended the revised ex-gratia relief to road users who are involved in accidents due to the railway’s prima facie liability at manned level crossing gates. This new compensation structure took effect from September 18.
The circular also addressed untoward incidents, categorising them as offences such as terrorist attacks, violent assaults, and train robberies. In these cases, the dependents of passengers who suffer fatal injuries will now receive Rs 1.5 lakh, while those with grievous injuries will be entitled to Rs 50,000, and passengers with minor injuries will receive Rs 5,000.
Other key revisions
For passengers who require hospitalisation beyond 30 days due to train accidents, the board announced additional ex-gratia relief. They will receive Rs 3,000 per day, which will be released at the end of every 10-day period or upon discharge, whichever occurs earlier. In cases of grievous injuries during untoward incidents, passengers will receive Rs 1,500 per day under similar conditions for up to six months of hospitalisation. Afterward, this amount will reduce to Rs 750 per day for the following five months.
However, the Railway Board clarified that no ex-gratia relief would be applicable to road users in instances of accidents at unmanned level crossings, trespassers, or individuals electrocuted by Over Head Equipment (OHE). The compensation liability for passenger death or injury in train accidents and untoward incidents is governed by the Railways Act of 1989.
(With inputs from PTI)
