Indian Railways: New Insurance & Mobile Rules for Counter Tickets
Indian Railways mandates mobile numbers and insurance options for counter ticket bookings to ensure passenger safety and coverage.
Starting from October 27, 2026, passengers booking train tickets at railway reservation counters will notice significant changes to the booking process. Indian Railways has introduced a mandatory mobile number requirement and a dedicated column for optional travel insurance for all counter-purchased tickets.
Supreme Court Directive Drives Change
This overhaul follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India issued on October 6, 2026, in the matter of Union of India v. Radha Yadav. The court's decision sought to extend insurance coverage—which was previously primarily available for online bookings—to passengers purchasing tickets at physical counters, ensuring parity for all travelers.
Mandatory Mobile Numbers and Insurance Opt-in
Under the new protocols, the reservation form will now feature a specific column where passengers must explicitly mark their preference for travel insurance. If a passenger chooses to opt for this coverage, they must provide a valid mobile number. This information is essential, as the insurance provider will use it to send policy details and a link via SMS for nominee registration.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
The insurance scheme is available to all Indian citizens and provides significant financial protection in the event of a railway accident or untoward incident:
- Death or Permanent Total Disability: Up to ₹10 lakh
- Permanent Partial Disability: Up to ₹7.5 lakh
- Hospitalization Expenses: Up to ₹2 lakh
- Transportation of Mortal Remains: Up to ₹10,000
Digital Payments for Small Premiums
The insurance premium is set at 45 paise per passenger, which is inclusive of all taxes. However, due to the discontinuation of small-denomination coins, this amount cannot be paid in cash. Passengers must pay the premium alongside their ticket fare using digital payment methods.
Essential Steps for Claims and Registration
To ensure that insurance benefits can be processed without delay, passengers should keep the following in mind:
- Nominee Registration: After booking, passengers must complete their nominee details by clicking the link sent to their mobile number by the insurance provider.
- Claim Submission: In the event of an incident, claims must be submitted directly to the insurance company within 120 days.
Please note that if a ticket is cancelled, a sum of ₹0.09 will be deducted from the insurance premium, in addition to the standard railway cancellation charges.