Western Railway (WR) has expedited the resolution of accident claim cases through the Lok Adalat system. In the financial year 2024-25, WR has already conducted five Lok Adalats at the Railway Claims Tribunal in Mumbai, settling approximately 50 cases. According to sources hundreds of cases related to trains accident is pending.
"By leveraging the Lok Adalat mechanism—an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system—Western Railway has significantly reduced the backlog of pending cases. This system plays a crucial role in determining two key aspects of each claim, whether the passenger was a bona fide traveler at the time of the incident and whether the incident qualifies as an "Untoward Incident" under Section 123(c) of the Railways Act, 1989. The resolution of these cases through Lok Adalats eliminates the complexities and delays of prolonged litigation, allowing victims to receive compensation without unnecessary legal hurdles" said an official of WR.
Additionally, Western Railway is utilising Rule 12(2) of the Railway Passengers (Manner of Investigation of Untoward Incidents) Rules, 2020, which mandates that if a passenger with a valid railway ticket is reported to have fallen from a train and the incident is accepted in the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Investigation Report, a speaking order is issued by the administrative in-charge of the claims office. This determines whether the claim should be admitted or contested, further expediting the resolution process.
"These collective efforts are making a significant impact by reducing financial hardships for accident victims and their families. By ensuring that claim settlements are fair, transparent, and swift, Western Railway is setting new benchmarks in passenger welfare and legal redressal" said an official of WR.
"Western Railway’s commitment to alternative dispute resolution reflects its focus on timely justice and its dedication to ensuring compensation reaches deserving victims without unnecessary delays. As the initiative progresses, more accident victims will benefit from quicker claim settlements, reinforcing WR’s role as a passenger-centric railway zone dedicated to safety, justice, and welfare" further added official.
