Supreme Court Asks Indian Railways About Accident Insurance Exclusivity for Online Ticket Buyers

The Supreme Court has requested clarification from Indian Railways regarding the provision of accident insurance solely for online ticket purchasers, raising safety concerns.

The Supreme Court has questioned the Indian Railways about why accident insurance is only available to passengers who buy tickets online. Offline ticket buyers do not receive this coverage. This inquiry was made by a bench consisting of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K Vinod Chandran.

Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee represented the railways in this matter. The court has requested Mr Banerjee to explain the reason for this difference in insurance availability between online and offline ticket purchases. The bench issued this order on November 25.

Focus on Safety and Improvement

The court reviewed a report from the national transporter, emphasising that initial efforts should prioritise track and railway crossing safety. These areas are crucial for broader improvements. The railways have been advised to continue with their comprehensive improvement plans.

The issue of insurance coverage was highlighted by an amicus, noting that only online ticket buyers benefit from accident insurance. This disparity has prompted the court to seek clarification from the railways.

Next Steps for Indian Railways

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 13. By then, the railways are expected to provide a detailed response regarding the insurance coverage issue. This ongoing case aims to address and resolve discrepancies in passenger safety measures.

The court's focus remains on ensuring equitable safety provisions for all passengers, regardless of how they purchase their tickets. This includes examining current policies and suggesting necessary changes.

With inputs from PTI