SC Order: Insurance for Railway Counter Tickets by Oct 27
In a significant ruling for millions of commuters, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Indian Railways to extend mandatory insurance coverage to all passengers purchasing tickets at station reservation counters. This directive aims to ensure that offline travelers receive the same level of protection as those booking their journeys through online platforms.
Strict Deadline for Railway Board
A judicial bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan issued the order on October 6, 2026. The court has set a firm deadline, stipulating that the mandatory insurance facility for counter tickets must be fully implemented by October 27, 2026.
The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Railway Board, noting that the authorities had failed to demonstrate progress despite being given previous opportunities to establish a mechanism for counter-based insurance. The court has explicitly placed the responsibility on the Railway Board, warning that it will be held directly accountable for any failure to execute this mandate.
Bridging the Parity Gap
Currently, there is a notable difference in the benefits available to different classes of passengers:
- Online Bookings: Passengers can opt for travel insurance for a nominal premium of just ₹0.45.
- Coverage: This small fee provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh in the event of accidental death or permanent total disability.
- Counter Bookings: At present, passengers purchasing tickets at physical counters do not have access to this standardized insurance option.
While the court has mandated that these benefits be extended to all, Indian Railways has yet to announce the specific premiums, terms, and operational processes that will govern insurance for tickets purchased at physical counters.
Background and Next Steps
This legal development stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed following the tragic train accident in Odisha in June 2023. The litigation sought to ensure equitable safety measures for all rail passengers.
The court is scheduled to hold its next hearing on November 16, 2026, to review the progress of the implementation.