Supreme Court Orders Insurance Cover for Railway Counter Tickets from October 27

The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to all train tickets purchased over the counter at railway stations from October 27, 2026. The court warned that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible if the directive was not implemented.

The order was passed on October 6 by a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan while hearing a petition filed in the aftermath of the June 2023 Odisha train accident. The petition sought a commission of inquiry into the accident and raised concerns over the implementation of the Kavach train collision avoidance system.

During the proceedings, the court expanded its examination to include broader railway safety concerns, such as the installation of Kavach, construction of foot overbridges, fencing along railway tracks and the absence of insurance coverage for passengers purchasing tickets offline.

The Centre had informed the court on May 11 that a decision had been taken to extend insurance to counter tickets and that the necessary arrangements were being worked out. However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in implementing the measure.

The court observed that sufficient time had already been provided to authorities to develop a mechanism that would also protect economically disadvantaged passengers, many of whom purchase tickets directly from railway reservation counters.

Accordingly, it directed that all tickets sold at railway stations must receive insurance coverage in the same manner as tickets booked online, with the requirement becoming mandatory from October 27.

Supreme Court Questions Railways Over Safety Measures and Budget Utilisation

The bench also expressed serious concern over the implementation of railway safety projects, stating that assurances given to the court had not translated into substantial improvements on the ground.

It noted that funds allocated for passenger safety had not been fully utilised despite repeated commitments by the Railways. The court had previously sought details of special measures taken to improve Kavach coverage, construct foot overbridges and fence railway tracks.

The judges initially directed the Chairman and members of the Railway Board to appear personally before the court to explain the delays. They warned that authorities would face serious consequences if assurances made during proceedings were not backed by actual implementation.

However, after Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee sought a final opportunity to submit an affidavit detailing the work completed during the previous year and explaining delays, the court temporarily put its summons on hold.

The Railways was asked to provide a clear account of progress, particularly regarding track fencing. The proceedings highlight the Supreme Court’s emphasis on accountability, effective utilisation of safety funds and concrete measures to protect railway passengers.