In a significant directive aimed at enhancing passenger protection, the Supreme Court of India has mandated that insurance coverage must be provided for all train tickets purchased at railway counters. The order, which takes effect on October 27, 2026, requires the Indian Railways to extend the same insurance benefits to offline passengers that are currently available to those booking tickets through online platforms.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued the order following a hearing that highlighted broader concerns regarding railway safety. The court emphasized that the directive is mandatory, explicitly warning the Railway Board that it will be held directly accountable for any failure to implement the insurance system by the specified date. This decision aims to bridge the gap in benefits for millions of passengers who rely on physical booking counters, particularly those lacking access to digital booking services.
The court's intervention comes against a backdrop of growing judicial concern over railway safety standards across the country. During the proceedings, the bench expressed what it characterized as "utter disappointment and displeasure" regarding the pace at which the Ministry of Railways has addressed critical safety requirements. Despite repeated assurances from railway officials that substantive improvements were underway, the court observed that these promises had largely failed to materialize into tangible progress on the ground.
Central to the court’s scrutiny is the implementation of the Kavach anti-collision system, the installation of fencing along railway tracks, and the construction of essential foot overbridges. The petition, which triggered these proceedings, followed the tragic train accident in Odisha in June 2023. The petitioner had linked that disaster to the non-implementation of the Kavach system, prompting the court to expand the scope of the case to include a comprehensive review of national railway safety infrastructure and passenger welfare measures.
The bench also raised pointed questions regarding the financial management of safety projects. It noted that, despite specific budgetary allocations meant for targeted safety enhancements, funds had not been fully utilized. The court had previously requested detailed reports on how these resources were being spent and the actual status of ongoing projects, citing a disconnect between the ministry's claims and the physical reality of the railway network.
During the recent hearing, the situation reached a critical point when the court initially summoned the Chairman and members of the Railway Board to appear in person to explain the stagnation. However, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee, representing the Centre, intervened to request one final opportunity for the government to submit a detailed affidavit. The legal representative sought additional time to account for the work completed over the past year and to explain the specific reasons behind the failure to meet established targets for track fencing and other safety initiatives.
Accepting this request, the Supreme Court chose to put the summoning order on hold, granting the officials a brief window to demonstrate progress. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on November 16. On that date, the court is expected to evaluate the compliance with the insurance mandate and assess the status reports provided by the Railways regarding the broader safety infrastructure project, keeping the railway administration under strict judicial supervision.
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