Railways Announces Complete Digitisation of Railway Claims Tribunal
New Delhi, 26th February 2026: The Ministry of Railways has announced the complete digitisation and AI-enabled transformation of the Railway Claims Tribunal under Reform Number Four of the “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative. The new E-RCT system is designed to enable end-to-end computerisation of tribunal processes, covering filing, processing and adjudication of claims.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the E-RCT platform will make the claims process faster, more transparent and accessible from anywhere in the country. The system will allow real-time tracking of cases from filing to final disposal, along with digital scheduling, hearing management and progress monitoring.
A central feature of the reform is the introduction of a comprehensive Document Management System (DMS). The DMS will provide digital storage of pleadings, notices, summons, orders and judgments. Records will be digitally signed, enabling secure authentication and easier retrieval of case files. The system will also include secure record management protocols with disaster recovery mechanisms.
The E-RCT platform will support hybrid e-hearings and automated case flow. It enables online hearings, digital evidence recording and electronic communication with parties. Automated alerts and online compliance tracking have been incorporated to reduce manual intervention and streamline administrative processes.
According to officials, the system will allow immediate case registration and automated workflows, which are expected to reduce delays. The provision for online hearings is aimed at minimising adjournments by allowing parties to attend proceedings without travel. Real-time digital notifications will keep litigants informed about case status, while orders and judgments will be accessible online.
The ministry stated that the digital framework will reduce costs associated with travel, printing and courier services. Centralised real-time data on pendency, case trends and disposal rates will also be available for monitoring and administrative purposes.
The platform is intended to serve claimants, advocates, railway authorities and tribunal officials by facilitating case tracking, improved scheduling and structured data management.
Earlier this month, Vaishnaw announced two other reforms under the same initiative: continuous end-to-end cleaning of general coaches and expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to more than 500 hubs to enhance logistics capacity across Indian Railways.
