In order to boost ex-gratia compensation in situations of death or injury brought on by railway accidents, the Railway Board has made a significant move. This revision represents a tenfold rise above earlier levels, denoting a significant upgrade to the pay system. The ex-gratia assistance program had not been updated since its 2012 and 2013 iteration.

The Railway Board formally notified the modification of ex-gratia relief disbursements in a communication dated September 18. The board's decision to increase the compensation sums for dependents of passengers engaged in railway accidents and other unfortunate events was verified by this circular, which PTI was able to get.

An increase in ex-gratia assistance for the dependents of passengers who tragically lost their lives in railway or manned level crossing accidents is one of the major modifications that have been made. The compensation amount for surviving family members of deceased passengers under the new program has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, a significant increase. Instead of the prior payment of Rs 25,000, those who sustain severe injuries are now entitled to Rs 2.5 lakh. An increase from the previous Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 for passengers with less serious injuries.

The circular also expanded the amended ex-gratia remedy to cover drivers of motor vehicles involved in collisions at manned level crossing gates where the railroad is prima facie liable. As of September 18, this new pay system is in place.

The circular also covered unfortunate occurrences, classifying them as crimes including terrorist attacks, brutal assaults, and railway robberies. Dependents of passengers who sustain fatal injuries would now get Rs 1.5 lakh in these situations, while those who sustain serious injuries will be entitled to Rs 50,000, and those who sustain mild injuries will be given Rs 5,000.

The board announced further ex-gratia compensation for passengers who need to stay in the hospital for more than 30 days as a result of train accidents. At the conclusion of every 10-day term or upon discharge, whichever comes first, they will get Rs 3,000 per day. Passengers who sustain severe injuries in unfortunate accidents would receive Rs 1,500 every day in comparable circumstances for up to six months of hospitalization. The next five months, this sum would be reduced to Rs 750 per day.

The Railway Board made it clear that, in the event of an accident at an unattended level crossing, trespassers, or anyone electrocuted by overhead equipment (OHE), no ex-gratia assistance would be available to road users. The Railways Act of 1989 regulates the compensation obligation for passenger fatalities or injuries in railway accidents and unforeseen situations.

Recently, a gruesome accident took place in Madurai where pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh died in a razing fire caused by an illegally smuggled cylinder.

 Shatru Daman Singh (65), a local jaggery trader in Sitapur, was one of the victims of a railway compartment fire in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, that claimed the lives of nine pilgrims and wounded 20 others, according to authorities. "On August 17, my parents left for their journey. They were traveling with eight other senior citizens, according to Alok Singh, the son. The fire also damaged Singh’s wife, who came into medical attention. An ex-gratia of 3 lakh was paid by Southern Railways to the family of the deceased.

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