Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Indian Railways has initiated full digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) by introducing the e-RCT platform for online filing and case management. The system will allow claimants to submit petitions, affidavits and documents electronically without visiting tribunal offices. Covering 23 benches across 21 cities, the reform aims to reduce procedural delays, improve transparency and simplify jurisdiction issues in accident, injury, goods and refund cases. The digital rollout, part of the 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks programme, is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
Indian Railways has moved to digitise the functioning of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) by launching an online filing system known as e-RCT. The reform is part of its 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks initiative and is aimed at making the claims process more accessible, transparent and time-efficient for litigants across the country. Advertisement
The Railway Claims Tribunal currently operates through 23 benches in 21 cities. It deals with compensation claims related to death or injury in railway accidents, untoward incidents, loss or non-delivery of goods, and refund of fares or freight. Until now, claimants were required to file cases physically before the appropriate bench, often facing confusion over jurisdiction, especially when an incident occurred during inter-state travel.
Under the new system, petitions, written statements, affidavits and supporting documents can be filed online at any time from any location. The platform will generate electronic acknowledgements through SMS and email. A centralised Case Information System (CIS) will enable real-time tracking of cases from filing to final disposal, while a Document Management System (DMS) will securely store pleadings, digitally signed orders and judgments.
The e-RCT platform is also designed to support hybrid hearings. Parties may attend proceedings either physically or through virtual mode in line with prevailing judicial guidelines. Daily orders and final judgments will be uploaded online, improving public access and reducing dependency on physical copies.
Railway officials indicated that all 23 benches will be brought onto the digital platform within the next 12 months. The move is expected to reduce paperwork, minimise travel costs for claimants and lawyers, and shorten administrative timelines. The tribunal has historically handled a significant number of accident compensation cases each year, and digitisation is expected to streamline case flow and reduce pendency over time.
This step follows Indian Railways broader push toward digital governance, including online ticketing expansion, freight management digitisation and e-office systems. With the introduction of e-RCT, the claims adjudication process is now aligned with wider judicial digitisation efforts seen in other tribunals and courts.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
