Supreme Court Flags Inadequate Budget Allocation for Railway Safety
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over what it termed inadequate budgetary allocations for improving railway safety in India. The Court emphasised that passenger protection must override all other considerations in railway administration.
Passenger Safety Is Paramount, Says Supreme Court
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan stated that the safety and security of citizens travelling by train remains paramount. The judges observed that the Railways cannot function as an entity focused on investments unrelated to core safety infrastructure.
The Court underlined that millions of passengers place daily trust in the railway system. That trust, the Bench noted, carries a corresponding duty to prioritise safety over commercial interests.
Case Arises From Railway Safety Proceedings
The observations came during hearings in Union of India v. Radha Yadav, Miscellaneous Application Nos. 741–742 of 2019. The Supreme Court is examining systemic deficiencies in railway safety under this matter.
The Court is considering the issue under two principal heads:
- Removal of risks at unmanned level crossings through construction of railway over-bridges and under-bridges
- Implementation of Kavach, an automatic train protection system aimed at preventing accidents caused by human error
Concerns Raised by Amicus Curiae
The issue initially surfaced during a railway accident compensation case. Senior Advocate Shikhil Suri, assisting the Court as amicus curiae, flagged concerns relating to broader safety failures.
The Court also widened the scope of the proceedings to examine insurance coverage. At present, insurance benefits extend only to passengers purchasing tickets online, excluding those who buy tickets at booking counters.
Court Questions Railway Budget Priorities
In its latest order, the Bench criticised the manner in which the Railways utilises its budget. After examining the Union’s affidavit, the Court noted that a substantial portion of funds had gone into public sector undertakings, joint ventures, and special purpose vehicles.
The Bench remarked that such allocations were “absolutely unacceptable” when essential safety infrastructure required immediate attention.
Railway Safety Measures Can Be Implemented Faster
During the hearing, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety informed the Court that interlocking of level crossing gates could be completed at significantly lower cost and within a shorter timeframe.
The Commissioner also explained that full-scale deployment of the Kavach system would further strengthen safety mechanisms when combined with gate interlocking.
Union Granted Time to Respond
The Bench granted time to the Union of India to seek further instructions. Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee appeared for the Union.
The Court made it clear that it expects a pragmatic approach. It stressed that a substantial portion of the railway budget must directly fund infrastructure development, with safety and security receiving top priority.
Court Reiterates Need for Passenger Insurance Coverage
The Bench recalled that in January it had emphasised the need for a balanced policy on passenger insurance. The Court reiterated that insurance facilities should extend to all passengers, regardless of whether tickets are purchased online or at booking counters, provided the tickets are lawfully obtained.
Supreme Court Seeks Detailed Budget Affidavit
The Court directed the Union to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing:
- Budgetary allocations made by Parliament to the Ministry of Railways over the past three years
- Internal distribution of funds under various heads
- Actual expenditure incurred under each head
- Updated figures for the financial year 2025–2026
The Bench also sought an explanation for the apparent inconsistency between safety project timelines extending up to 2042–43 and the corresponding budgetary provisions.
Matter To Be Heard After Affidavit Filing
The Supreme Court will take up the matter after the Union places the required information and instructions on record.
Appearances:
Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee; Senior Advocates Shikhil Suri (amicus curiae
