Railway Counter Ticket Insurance Now Available from Oct 27
Indian Railways extends optional travel insurance to counter-booked tickets from Oct 27, 2026, following a Supreme Court directive.
In a major move to ensure passenger safety and parity, Indian Railways is extending its optional travel insurance coverage to passengers booking reserved tickets via railway counters. This facility, which was previously limited to online bookings, will be available for offline counter-booked tickets starting October 27, 2026.
Supreme Court Mandates Equality in Insurance
The decision follows a strict directive from the Supreme Court issued on October 6, 2026. The court mandated that the Railway Board eliminate the disparity between online and offline insurance availability. The judiciary had previously warned that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible if this facility was not implemented by the October 27 deadline.
How to Avail the Insurance Facility
To benefit from this optional service, passengers must adhere to a few simple requirements during the booking process:
- Digital Payment: The transaction must be completed using digital payment methods.
- Mobile Number: Providing a valid mobile number is mandatory, as insurance companies use it to transmit policy details directly to the traveler.
- Low Premium: The cost for this insurance coverage is highly affordable, set at just 45 paise per ticket.
Railway counter staff have been instructed to inform all passengers about this optional facility at the time of booking. The terms and conditions currently applicable to e-tickets will also extend to these counter-booked tickets.
Comprehensive Coverage Details
The insurance policy provides significant financial protection against various untoward incidents and accidents. The coverage structure includes:
- Death or Permanent Total Disability: Up to Rs 10 lakh.
- Permanent Partial Disability: Rs 7.5 lakh.
- Medical Expenses: Up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalization costs.
- Mortal Remains: Rs 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains in the event of death.
Technical Integration and Safety Goals
To ensure a seamless rollout, the Indian Railways, the Railway Board, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) are collaborating on necessary technical updates and system integrations. This initiative aims to provide equitable insurance protection for all travelers, addressing safety concerns that gained prominence following the Odisha train accident in June 2023.