Supreme Court Mandates Insurance for All Train Tickets from October 27, 2026

The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to make insurance mandatory for all tickets purchased at station counters, effective October 27, 2026. This directive extends coverage that is currently available optionally to online ticket holders. Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan pronounced the order on October 6, following a petition filed in the aftermath of the June 2023 Odisha train accident, which sought an inquiry and the rollout of the Kavach train protection system.

During earlier hearings, the Supreme Court had given Indian Railway authorities time to establish a mechanism for extending insurance to offline ticket purchasers, particularly those from economically weaker sections. However, the bench noted no progress by the October 6 hearing, prompting the direct mandate. According to Livelaw, the order specified that "within two weeks, i.e., with effect from 27.10.2026, all tickets sold over the counter at all railway stations shall also be covered by insurance in the same manner as tickets purchased online." The Railway Board has been warned that it will be held directly responsible for any failure to implement this order.

For ordinary savers and taxpayers, this means enhanced financial protection when traveling by train. Currently, optional travel insurance for online tickets costs a nominal 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes, since February 17, 2024, providing coverage against specified losses from train accidents and other incidents. Manas Kapoor, Business Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, welcomed the move, calling it a step "towards strengthening passenger safety and financial protection in India" and recognizing insurance as an "essential safeguard rather than an optional add-on." He emphasized it could provide "crucial financial support to passengers and their families in the event of unforeseen accidents."

This ruling ensures that millions of Indians who rely on railways, especially those purchasing tickets offline, will automatically receive crucial financial support in emergencies, reinforcing passenger safety as an integral part of their journey. The Supreme Court's decision brings the well-being of the common man into sharper focus by making financial protection a standard for all rail travelers.

What to watch: How Indian Railways implements the mandatory insurance for offline tickets by October 27, 2026.

Editor's note: Comprehensive coverage of the Supreme Court mandate and background details from the source text.