The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to all tickets purchased at railway counters from October 27, 2026, bringing offline passengers under the same insurance arrangement available for online bookings. The Court warned that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible if the direction was not implemented.
A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued the direction on October 6 while examining railway passenger safety measures. The Court expressed serious dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Railways over the slow implementation of safety projects despite repeated assurances and budgetary allocations.
The bench observed that passengers from economically weaker sections frequently purchase tickets at railway counters and should not remain outside the insurance framework.
The Court noted that the authorities had already been given sufficient time to formulate a mechanism for extending insurance protection to offline ticket holders. However, no meaningful progress had been reported.
Accordingly, the bench ordered that every ticket sold at railway counters across the country must carry insurance coverage from October 27, on the same terms as tickets booked online.
Supreme Court Questions Railways Over Unimplemented Safety Measures
The Court also raised concerns about the lack of progress in railway safety projects, particularly the expansion of the Kavach train protection system, construction of foot over bridges and fencing of railway tracks.
During the October 6 hearing, the bench expressed strong displeasure with railway officials, observing that commitments made before the Court had not translated into adequate improvements on the ground.
The judges noted that even the financial allocations earmarked for passenger safety and accident prevention had not been fully utilised.
The bench questioned why basic safety requirements remained inadequately addressed despite the availability of funds. It also warned that assurances made to the Court without corresponding implementation would invite serious consequences.
Taking note of the situation, the Supreme Court initially directed the Chairman and Members of the Railway Board to appear personally and explain the delays.
Centre Gets Final Opportunity to Explain Delays
Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee, appearing for the Centre, requested one final opportunity to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the progress achieved in railway safety projects during the preceding year.
He also sought permission to provide reasons for the failure to meet prescribed targets, particularly concerning the fencing of railway tracks.
Accepting the request, the Supreme Court temporarily deferred its direction requiring the personal appearance of the Railway Board Chairman and Members.
The Court had previously sought detailed information showing whether the Railways had undertaken special initiatives to accelerate the installation of Kavach, construction of foot over bridges and fencing work.
It had directed the authorities to submit details of the additional financial commitments made for these projects within two months, along with evidence of actual progress at the implementation level.
Proceedings Originated From 2023 Odisha Train Accident
The proceedings arose from a petition filed following the June 2023 train accident in Odisha.
The petitioner sought the constitution of a commission of inquiry to investigate the accident, alleging that the failure to implement the Kavach safety system had contributed to the disaster.
The petition also requested directions for the early introduction of Kavach across all trains.
While hearing the case, the Supreme Court expanded its examination to include other passenger safety concerns, such as track fencing, railway foot over bridges and insurance coverage for passengers purchasing tickets offline.
During earlier proceedings, the bench had expressed dissatisfaction with the budgetary provisions for passenger safety and indicated that greater efforts were necessary.
The Centre had informed the Court on May 11 that a decision to extend insurance coverage to offline railway tickets had been taken and that the implementation mechanism was being worked out.
However, with the insurance arrangement still awaiting implementation, the Supreme Court issued a mandatory deadline of October 27, 2026.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on November 16, when the Court will continue examining the Railways’ compliance with its directions concerning passenger safety.
