Railway Board boosts Ex-Gratia Relief Tenfold for train accident victims

21 Sep 2023 CW Team

The revised ex-gratia relief now extends to both dependents of deceased and injured passengers involved in train accidents and untoward incidents. This change is effective as of September 18, the circular's release date.

Under the new guidelines outlined in the circular, relatives of deceased passengers in train or manned level crossing accidents will now receive Rs 0.5 million, while those who suffer severe injuries will be entitled to Rs 0.25 million. Passengers with minor injuries will receive Rs 50,000. These figures represent a significant increase from the previous amounts of Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively.

The circular also specifies that dependents of individuals affected by untoward incidents, including terrorist attacks, violent incidents, and robberies on trains, will now receive Rs 1.5 lakh for deceased passengers, Rs 50,000 for grievously injured passengers, and Rs 5,000 for those with minor injuries. These figures were previously set at Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively, in the prior ex-gratia scheme.

In addition to these changes, the circular introduces additional ex-gratia relief for grievously injured passengers requiring hospitalisation beyond 30 days due to train accidents. It stipulates a payment of Rs 3,000 per day, to be released at the end of every 10-day period or upon discharge, whichever comes first.

For grievous injuries sustained during untoward incidents, the circular outlines a payment of Rs 1,500 per day, again to be released at the end of every 10-day period or upon discharge for up to six months of hospitalisation. Subsequently, a reduced payment of Rs 750 per day will continue for up to five more months of hospitalisation.

The Railway Board makes it clear that no ex-gratia relief will be granted to road users involved in accidents at unmanned level crossings, trespassers, or individuals electrocuted by Over Head Equipment (OHE). The compensation liability for passenger deaths or injuries in train accidents and untoward incidents is established by the Railways Act of 1989.

The Railway Board has significantly increased the ex gratia payments for individuals affected by train accidents, marking the first revision since 2012 and 2013. A circular dated September 18, accessible by PTI, announced this decision.The revised ex-gratia relief now extends to both dependents of deceased and injured passengers involved in train accidents and untoward incidents. This change is effective as of September 18, the circular's release date.Under the new guidelines outlined in the circular, relatives of deceased passengers in train or manned level crossing accidents will now receive Rs 0.5 million, while those who suffer severe injuries will be entitled to Rs 0.25 million. Passengers with minor injuries will receive Rs 50,000. These figures represent a significant increase from the previous amounts of Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively.The circular also specifies that dependents of individuals affected by untoward incidents, including terrorist attacks, violent incidents, and robberies on trains, will now receive Rs 1.5 lakh for deceased passengers, Rs 50,000 for grievously injured passengers, and Rs 5,000 for those with minor injuries. These figures were previously set at Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively, in the prior ex-gratia scheme.In addition to these changes, the circular introduces additional ex-gratia relief for grievously injured passengers requiring hospitalisation beyond 30 days due to train accidents. It stipulates a payment of Rs 3,000 per day, to be released at the end of every 10-day period or upon discharge, whichever comes first.For grievous injuries sustained during untoward incidents, the circular outlines a payment of Rs 1,500 per day, again to be released at the end of every 10-day period or upon discharge for up to six months of hospitalisation. Subsequently, a reduced payment of Rs 750 per day will continue for up to five more months of hospitalisation.The Railway Board makes it clear that no ex-gratia relief will be granted to road users involved in accidents at unmanned level crossings, trespassers, or individuals electrocuted by Over Head Equipment (OHE). The compensation liability for passenger deaths or injuries in train accidents and untoward incidents is established by the Railways Act of 1989.

Infrastructure Urban

04 Dec 2025

ISRO’s IMAT Success Boosts Readiness for Maiden Gaganyaan Mission

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that ISRO has achieved a key milestone in its preparations for India’s first human space mission with the successful completion of the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT). He said in the Lok Sabha that the test forms a central part of the qualification campaign for the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, one of the most vital elements in human-rating the mission.According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the IMAT recreated one of the most demanding descent conditions by intentionally del..

Infrastructure Urban

04 Dec 2025

Gyanesh Kumar Takes Charge as Chair of International IDEA Council

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 2026. The ceremony in Stockholm was also attended by India’s Ambassador to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan. India, a founding member of International IDEA, has long contributed to the organisation’s governance and global democratic dialogue, and the new Chairship signals broad recognition of the Election Commission of India as a trusted and innovative election management institution.During his visit, Kumar held discuss..

Infrastructure Energy

04 Dec 2025

Coal Mines Boost Local Growth and Support India’s Energy Self-reliance

The Magadh and Amrapali coal mines in Jharkhand are playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, contributing nearly half of Central Coalfields Limited’s total coal production in 2024–25. Both mines support the broader goal of ensuring steady coal availability for the power sector under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Magadh has estimated mineable reserves of 854.91 million tonnes, while Amrapali holds 456.34 million tonne. For FY 2025–26, the two are expected to generate net sales revenues of Rs 28.12 billion and Rs 23.67 billion respectively. Local development ..