Supreme Court Orders Insurance Cover For All Counter-Sold Train Tickets From October 27, 2026

Key facts

• The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to ensure all tickets sold at railway station counters receive insurance coverage in the same manner as tickets booked online, with the arrangement coming into force from October 27, 2026.
• The bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan made the direction mandatory and warned that the Railway Board would be directly accountable for any failure to comply.
• The Centre had told the court on May 11 that a decision had been taken to extend insurance to counter tickets, but the court found no progress on the issue.
• The petition was filed following the June 2023 Odisha train accident, and the court widened the proceedings to cover the Kavach anti-collision system, fencing along railway tracks, foot overbridges and insurance for counter-ticket passengers.
• The court expressed 'utter disappointment and displeasure' over the conduct of Railway Ministry officials, noting that assurances on safety measures had remained largely on paper.
• The court raised concerns over the utilisation of funds allocated for passenger safety, noting that budgetary provisions for targeted safety projects had not been fully used.
• The court put on hold its order summoning the Railway Board Chairman and members after Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee sought one final opportunity to file a detailed affidavit; the matter will next be heard on November 16.