The railway damaged my goods in transit. How do I claim?

What the Law Says

The liability of Indian Railways for loss, destruction, or damage to goods during transit is governed by the Indian Railways Act, 1989 and the Indian Railways Goods Tariff (IRGT). The law sets strict timelines, valuation rules, and procedural requirements for claims.

Under Section 111 of the Indian Railways Act, 1989, a consignor or consignee must file a claim in writing within 6 months from the date of delivery (or the date when delivery ought to have been made) for loss, destruction, or damage to goods.

Compensation is calculated based on the 'declared value' stated in the railway receipt. If no value was declared, Section 112 limits liability to ₹100 per kilogram of the damaged goods.

The railway administration must acknowledge the claim and dispose of it within 30 days of receipt, as mandated under Rule 147 of the Indian Railways Goods Tariff (IRGT), 2023 Edition.

If dissatisfied with the railway’s decision, an appeal may be filed before the General Manager of the concerned Railway Zone within 12 months of the claim’s rejection or partial acceptance.

Statutory Text

No suit shall be brought against a railway administration for the loss, destruction, damage or deterioration of any goods carried by rail unless the claimant has given notice of such loss, destruction, damage or deterioration to the railway administration within six months from the date of delivery thereof or, where no delivery is made, within six months from the date on which delivery ought to have been made.

— Indian Railways Act, 1989, s. 111 — Notice of loss, etc., to be given within six months

Statutory Text

Where no value has been declared, the liability of the railway administration shall not exceed one hundred rupees per kilogram of the goods lost, destroyed, damaged or deteriorated.

— Indian Railways Act, 1989, s. 112 — Limitation of liability where no value declared

What to Do

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