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.