Railway Ticket Insurance: Supreme Court Directs Railways To Offer Cover For Counter Bookings Like Online Tickets

The Supreme Court of India has ordered Indian Railways to offer insurance coverage options for tickets sold at station reservation counters, similar to online ticket bookings. A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan issued the order that offline Railway tickets must offer the same insurance protection as online tickets. It directed the Railways to comply with the order within two weeks.

The ruling came during a proceeding regarding improvement in safety and preventing accidents across the railway network in the country. As per a Live Law report, senior advocate Shikhil Suri, acting as Amicus Curiae, highlighted this issue, informing the court that Railways has not given any response regarding insurance on offline tickets. The Court questioned Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, who represented the Railways, about the reason for this distinction in accidental insurance coverage between online and offline ticket buyers.

Note that the Railways offer an option to get insurance coverage on train travel by paying Re 0.45 per passenger per trip inclusive of taxes. The insurance covers hospitalisation expenses for injury, permanent partial disability, permanent total disability, death, and transportation of mortal remains.

The bench noted the railway authorities have not devised any mechanism despite being given ample time. The Court also expressed “disappointment” and “displeasure” at the Ministry of Railways for offering assurance on paper and not actually doing anything.

The Court emphasised that counter tickets are mainly purchased by people belonging to the lowest strata of society, and these are the people who need travel security the most. It ruled that equal insurance coverage must be provided mandatorily across all reservation counters starting October 27, 2026. Any failure in executing this order would place direct responsibility on the Railway Board, held the Court.  

While examining the financial administration, the Court pointed out that despite the budgetary allocation and provisions for accident prevention and passenger safety, the funds have not been substantially used on the ground.  

To ensure accountability, the Apex Court has ordered the Chairman and all members of the Railway Board to appear in person before the bench on November 16, 2026. The Court clarified that if the railway does not execute the provisions, the leadership of the Railway Board will personally be held accountable.