India orders insurance cover for railway counter tickets from 27 October

India’s Supreme Court has ordered Indian Railways to extend passenger insurance coverage to tickets purchased at railway station counters from 27 October 2026, bringing offline purchases within the existing insurance arrangements for online bookings.

The ruling follows concerns that passengers buying tickets in person, including those from lower-income groups, have not had access to the same protection as online customers.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan directed the railway authorities to implement the change within two weeks, warning that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible for any failure to comply.

The order was issued as part of proceedings arising from the June 2023 Odisha train disaster, which prompted legal scrutiny of passenger safety measures across India’s railway network.

Court raises concerns over safety improvements

The court also criticised the pace of improvements to railway infrastructure, including the deployment of the Kavach automatic train protection system, fencing along railway tracks, and the construction of pedestrian footbridges.

Judges expressed dissatisfaction with the progress reported by railway authorities, noting that commitments to improve safety had not consistently translated into measurable changes.

The government has been asked to provide further evidence of work undertaken and explain delays in meeting safety targets.

The insurance directive represents an expansion of passenger accident protection across railway ticket distribution channels, although the ruling does not establish broader travel insurance benefits.

The court is scheduled to review the matter again on 16 November.

The decision comes amid wider moves to expand compulsory insurance protection for travellers, with Tanzania introducing mandatory cover for international visitors in September.