The Railway Board has recently introduced revisions to the relief payments allocated to victims of train accidents, encompassing individuals who have suffered both minor and severe injuries.
In the unfortunate event of a fatality, the relief assistance has been significantly increased from Rs 50,000 to a substantial Rs 5 lakh. Likewise, for those grappling with grievous injuries, the financial aid has been raised from the previous sum of Rs 25,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Individuals who sustain minor injuries will now receive an enhanced amount of Rs 50,000, representing a substantial uplift from the previous compensation of Rs 5,000. This noteworthy update comes following the last adjustments made to relief aid back in 2012 and 2013.
As stated in a circular dated September 18, the decision to revise the ex-gratia relief amounts provided to the dependents of deceased and injured passengers involved in train accidents and untoward incidents has been formally approved.
These revised relief measures will be equally applicable to road users who find themselves entangled in accidents occurring at manned-level crossing gates, wherein the Railways bear liability.
In cases where a train passenger necessitates hospitalization for a period surpassing 30 days due to accidents, an additional payment of Rs 3,000 per day will be disbursed every 10 days or upon discharge, whichever transpires first. This additional support will continue for an extra six months of hospitalization, followed by an allocation of Rs 750 per day for an additional five months.
It is crucial to note that no relief payment provisions will be extended to those involved in accidents occurring at unmanned level crossings, trespassers, or individuals affected by overhead equipment (OHE) electrocution.
These updated relief payments are embedded within the framework of the Railway Act of 1989, which delineates the responsibilities concerning compensation for injuries or fatalities of passengers in train-related accidents.
