New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from the Indian Railways on why its accident insurance cover is available exclusively to passengers who book tickets online, leaving offline ticket buyers without the same protection.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K. Vinod Chandran raised the issue after it was highlighted by the court-appointed amicus curiae. The bench noted that the current system creates an unexplained distinction between online and offline ticket purchasers.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee appeared in the court for the railways in the matter.

"In addition, the amicus has pointed out that an insurance cover is provided to passengers purchasing tickets online to cover accidents, which is not available to those who purchase tickets offline. Mr Banerjee is required to take instructions as to the reason for this distinction between the two modes of procurement of tickets," the bench said in its order passed on November 25.

The matter came up as part of a broader case concerning railway safety and passenger protection. The court also reviewed a report submitted by the Railways, observing that immediate attention must be directed toward track safety and railway crossings, which form the foundation for broader systemic improvements.

Reiterating that the Railways must push ahead with its overall safety enhancement roadmap, the bench scheduled the next hearing for January 13, directing the national transporter to submit its response specifically addressing the insurance disparity.