Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 17: The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to provide insurance coverage to all train passengers, including those purchasing tickets at station counters, from October 27, 2026, and warned that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible for any failure to implement the order.

The direction extends insurance coverage to passengers buying tickets at reservation counters, bringing them on a par with those booking tickets online, for whom optional travel insurance was previously available.

The case arose from a petition filed following the Balasore train accident in Odisha in June 2023, which claimed 296 lives. The plea sought an inquiry into the tragedy and the expedited implementation of the Kavach train protection system.

During the hearings, the Supreme Court expressed concern over delays in railway safety measures, including the installation of Kavach, track fencing and the construction of foot overbridges. The court observed that assurances given by railway authorities had not translated into adequate progress on the ground. It also noted that budgetary allocations for railway safety had not been fully utilised.

The court initially directed the chairman and members of the Railway Board to appear before it. However, additional solicitor general Vikramjeet Banerjee sought another opportunity to submit an affidavit detailing the work completed and explaining the reasons for the delays. Following his submission, the court deferred their appearance.

On the insurance issue, the bench observed that the authorities had been given sufficient time to develop a mechanism to extend coverage to passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters, including economically disadvantaged travellers.

It directed that tickets purchased at counters at all railway stations must carry insurance coverage on the same basis as online bookings from October 27, 2026.

The court's directive seeks to extend the insurance facility beyond online bookings and ensure that passengers purchasing tickets in person, including those with limited access to digital services, are also covered.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for November 16.