What is the compensation for death in a railway accident?

What the Law Says

The Railways Act, 1989 provides no-fault liability for railway companies in case of death or injury caused by train accidents. Section 124A mandates minimum compensation regardless of negligence.

Under Section 124A of the Railways Act, 1989, Indian Railways is strictly liable to pay compensation to victims or their families in case of death or grievous hurt caused by accidents involving trains — even if the railway administration is not at fault.

The law sets a minimum compensation amount of ₹10 lakh for death, introduced via the Railways (Amendment) Act, 2017. This amount is payable irrespective of contributory negligence or fault.

Claims must be filed within 30 days of the accident with the designated Railway Claims Tribunal or the concerned zonal railway authority. Delayed claims may be accepted only with sufficient cause.

Statutory Text

Where, in an accident occurring on or in relation to the working of any train, any person suffers death or grievous hurt, the railway administration shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any contract, be liable to pay compensation to such person or, as the case may be, to the legal representative of such person, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

— The Railways Act, 1989, s. 124A — Liability for death or grievous hurt

Statutory Text

The amount of compensation payable under sub-section (1) shall not be less than ten lakh rupees in case of death...

— The Railways Act, 1989, s. 124A(2) — Minimum compensation

Sources