Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Railway Safety Budget Shortfalls
The Supreme Court of India has voiced strong disapproval regarding the Railway Budget's allocation for passenger safety, emphasizing that the protection of common citizens must be the top priority. In a recent order dated February 3, 2026, a bench comprising Justices A Amanullah and R Mahadevan highlighted critical issues while addressing a case related to railway safety measures.
Court Demands Detailed Financial Accountability
During a hearing on January 13, the bench directed the Indian Railways to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the budgetary allocations and expenditures over the past three years. This request included specific figures from Parliament's Finance Acts, internal fund distributions across various departments, and actual spending records for the current financial year 2025-2026. Upon reviewing the submitted affidavit, the court expressed dismay, noting that a significant portion of the budget was allocated to investments in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Joint Ventures (JVs), and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which it deemed unacceptable.
The bench stated, "Nothing is more important than the safety and security of the common man, who travels and reposes trust in the Railways. The Railways is not an organization to make investments elsewhere. We expect authorities to be more pragmatic and ensure that a substantial amount of the budget is directly invested in infrastructure, with safety and security taking precedence."
Key Safety Issues and Insurance Expansion
Two primary concerns emerged during the proceedings. First, the court addressed the need for enhanced safety measures, including the management of unmanned railway crossings, construction of over- and under-bridges, and the implementation of 'Kavach'—an automated safety system designed to prevent accidents caused by human error on rail tracks. Second, the bench focused on passenger insurance, currently limited to online purchases and unavailable over the counter. The Supreme Court advocated for extending insurance coverage to all railway passengers and has instructed the Railways to reconsider and expand this facility.
Immediate Actions and Future Hearings
In addition to these directives, the court has asked the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety to present practical suggestions that can be implemented without delay. The next hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026, where further progress on these safety and budgetary matters will be reviewed. This judicial intervention underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to bolster railway safety and ensure adequate funding for critical infrastructure projects.
