Odisha train accident: Ticketless travellers to also receive compensation
1 min read 04 Jun 2023, 10:47 PM ISTRailways will compensate even ticketless travelers on board the passenger trains involved in the Odisha accident in line with a Supreme Court order.
PremiumDays after a horrific three train collision killed 275 people and injured more than 1100 others, officials have said that even ticketless passengers would be entitled to compensation. Indian Railways has so far disbursed ₹3.22 crore as ex-gratia in 285 cases - 11 deaths, 50 grievous injuries and 224 minor injuries. Several state governments have also announced compensation plans for the affected passengers.
Meanwhile special trains are being run to ferry stranded passengers home or to take the victim's families to the site of the accident. officials have also launched a helpline number (139) where senior rail officers are answering calls and trying to connect with as many people as possible.
"Irrespective of the passengers being ticketless (or not), they will receive compensation," PTI quoted railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma as saying.
Officials said that this was in line with a Supreme Court order.
"The family members of the injured or deceased can call us and we will make sure that they are able to meet them. We will take care of their journey and other expenses," assured Railway Board official Jaya Verma Sinha.
The railways also said that the 139 service will continue uninterrupted and will ensure prompt disbursal of ex-gratia announced by the rail minister -- ₹10 lakh in case of death, ₹2 lakh for grievous injuries and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
(with inputs from agencies)