NEW DELHI, November 4: The Railway Ministry has doubled the amount of compensation to victims of train accidents. In the case of death, the victim's family can claim Rs 4 lakhs from the Railways, compared to Rs 2 lakhs in the past.

Apart from victims of rail accidents, this compensation is also offered to victims of dacoities, shoot-outs, murder, sabotage and bomb blasts in trains and on railway premises.

The compensation amount has been increased with effect from November 1 following a notification issued by the Railway Ministry, an official statement said today. For this, the Railway Accidents and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Rules, 1990 have been amended.

Under the rules, each railway passenger, platform ticket-holder and railway employee on duty is insured. The Railways claim that the insurance scheme is `unique' -- other railway systems worldwide only offer compensation to victims of ``usual train accidents''.

The decision to double the compensation amount follows ``all-round increase in the cost of living,'' the statement said.

The minimum compensation for the injured too has been doubled to Rs 32,000. The compensation amount varies with the extent of injuries. For example, a victim who loses both hands or legs, or suffers severe loss of sight or hearing will also be entitled to the maximum compensation of Rs 4 lakhs.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.