Indian Railways: Travel Insurance for Counter Tickets from Oct 27
In a major boost to passenger safety and equality, Indian Railways has announced that travel insurance coverage will be extended to passengers booking tickets at physical reservation counters. This new facility is scheduled to come into effect on October 27, 2026.
The directive aims to bridge the gap between digital and offline travelers, ensuring that those who do not use online booking platforms are not deprived of essential safety protections.
Supreme Court Mandates Equality for All Passengers
The decision follows a significant order issued by the Supreme Court of India on October 6, 2026. A Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan, directed the authorities to eliminate the disparity in insurance coverage between online and offline ticket booking methods.
The court emphasized that this measure is vital for passengers who rely on physical reservation counters, particularly those with limited access to digital services. By ensuring equitable safety protections, the court aims to provide a uniform security net for all rail travelers, regardless of how their tickets are purchased.
Existing Insurance Benefits and Future Implementation
Currently, the existing online travel insurance scheme offers substantial protection for digital passengers. The key features of the current online scheme include:
- Coverage Amount: Up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability.
- Premium Cost: A nominal fee of 45 paise per passenger, including taxes.
While the Supreme Court has mandated that counter-booked tickets must be included under this protective umbrella, specific details regarding the premium rates, necessary documentation, and the claims process for offline bookings are yet to be finalized by the railway authorities. Passengers are advised to keep an eye on official announcements for these specific details.
Accountability and Safety Background
The court has made it clear that this order is mandatory. It issued a stern warning that any failure to implement these changes would hold the Railway Board directly accountable.
This legal directive is rooted in the ongoing proceedings concerning railway safety, which were initiated following the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023. Although the railway authorities had been granted time previously to develop a mechanism for offline insurance, the lack of progress led the bench to issue this final, mandatory instruction.
The legal matter is scheduled for its next hearing on November 16, 2026, as the authorities work toward fulfilling the court's requirements.