Indian Railways: ₹10 Lakh Travel Insurance for Counter Tickets
In a massive boost for offline travelers, the Indian Railways travel insurance scheme is set to be extended to all passengers purchasing tickets directly from railway reservation counters. This significant change will officially come into effect starting October 27, 2026.
Supreme Court Mandates Equality for Offline Passengers
The move follows a decisive directive issued by the Supreme Court of India on October 6, 2026. The apex court emphasized that there should be no distinction in insurance opportunities based on whether a passenger chooses to book their ticket online or at a physical station counter.
The mandate was issued by a bench consisting of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan. The court's deliberations on railway safety were heavily influenced by the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023. During the proceedings, the court observed that the Railways had failed to implement a similar insurance mechanism for offline passengers, despite having been granted sufficient time to do so.
Comprehensive Coverage for a Nominal Fee
For a very small optional premium of just 45 paise per passenger, travelers can access substantial financial protection. While the Railway Board will determine specific compensation limits based on the nature of an incident and the extent of the loss, the general coverage structure is as follows:
- ₹10 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability.
- ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability.
- Up to ₹2 lakh for hospital treatment expenses.
- ₹10,000 for the transportation of a deceased passenger's mortal remains.
Implementation and Next Steps
While the insurance scheme is already an option for passengers using IRCTC online bookings, Indian Railways is currently finalizing the operational procedures for counter-based tickets. This includes establishing the specific process for collecting the 45-paise premium and managing the necessary claim documentation at stations.
The legal process regarding this implementation continues, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hold its next hearing on this matter on November 16, 2026.