The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to tickets purchased at railway reservation counters from October 27, bringing offline bookings under the same arrangement as online tickets.
The Railway Board will be directly responsible for implementing the direction, according to a News18 report.
A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan issued the order after noting that the Railways had made insufficient progress on the issue, despite the Centre informing the court on May 11 that arrangements were being worked out.
Why is insurance being extended to counter tickets?
The court’s direction addresses the difference in access to insurance between passengers booking online and those buying tickets at railway stations. It noted that sufficient time had been given to the authorities to develop a mechanism for offline bookings, including for passengers who may not have access to online ticketing.
The bench directed the Railways to implement the arrangement from October 27 and warned that the Railway Board would be accountable for non-compliance, News18 reported.
What does railway travel insurance cover?
Railway travel insurance can provide financial compensation for specified events, including death or disability resulting from a covered railway accident.
The benefits, coverage limits and exclusions depend on the applicable policy.
Manas Kapoor, Business Head – Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, said, “Making insurance mandatory for all train travellers is a welcome step towards strengthening passenger safety and financial protection in India. SC’s decision strengthens the importance of travel insurance and recognises it as an essential safeguard rather than an optional add-on.”
Kapoor said insurance at an affordable premium could provide financial support to passengers and their families in the event of unforeseen accidents, particularly those who rely on railways as an affordable mode of transport.
The premium, coverage limits and process for counter-ticket passengers will depend on the Railways’ implementation arrangements. Passengers should check the applicable policy terms to understand the protection available.
Will passengers have to pay separately for insurance?
The court has directed the Railways to extend insurance to counter tickets on the same basis as online bookings. The precise mechanism for offline reservations, including how premiums will be handled, remains dependent on the implementation arrangements.
The direction should not be interpreted as requiring passengers to purchase a separate private travel insurance policy.
How is insurance different from railway safety measures?
Insurance offers financial protection after a covered incident; it does not prevent accidents. During the proceedings, the court also expressed concern over the implementation of railway safety measures, including the Kavach automatic train protection system, track fencing and foot overbridges.
According to News18, the bench criticised the lack of visible progress despite assurances from railway officials and raised concerns about the utilisation of funds allocated to passenger safety.
The insurance direction addresses financial protection for passengers, while accident prevention depends on the effective implementation of safety measures.
