Indian Railways: Travel Insurance Now for Counter Tickets!
Indian Railways extends optional travel insurance to counter-booked tickets nationwide, ensuring equality for offline passengers after an SC ruling.
In a major move to protect passengers, Indian Railways has announced that its optional Indian Railways travel insurance scheme is now available for those booking tickets at railway counters. Effective from October 27, 2026, this update ensures that passengers purchasing tickets offline receive the same security benefits previously reserved for those booking through IRCTC online services.
Equality in Passenger Rights
This significant policy shift follows a directive from the Supreme Court on October 6, 2026. A judicial bench, including Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan, ruled that there should be no discrimination regarding passenger safety and rights based on the method used to book a ticket. Following this, the Railway Board issued implementation orders to all zones on October 24, 2026, to bring this mandate to life.
The rollout has already been seen in areas like Hardoi and is being implemented across all zonal railways. To facilitate this, the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) has successfully upgraded the reservation software to accommodate offline insurance selections.
How to Avail the Insurance
Passengers can easily opt for this coverage during the booking process. When filling out a physical reservation form at a counter, passengers simply need to select the insurance option. However, there are a few specific requirements to keep in mind:
- Mobile Number: A valid mobile number must be provided to the booking official.
- Premium Cost: The insurance premium is a nominal 45 paise per person.
- Digital Payment Only: In a push toward a cashless economy, the premium must be paid exclusively through digital payment methods. Cash payments for the insurance premium will not be accepted.
Comprehensive Coverage Details
The insurance policy is designed to provide substantial financial support in the event of a rail accident or an untoward incident. The coverage includes:
- ₹10 lakh: For 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 mortal remains.
"This initiative serves the dual purpose of enhancing passenger security and encouraging the use of digital payment systems among the general public," noted Dr. Shivam Sharma, CPRO of North Central Railway.
Important Claim Information
To ensure a smooth process, it is vital to note the timeline for filing claims. All insurance claims must be submitted within four months (120 days) of the date of the accident or the date of death.
The operational rollout has been confirmed by key officials, including Railway Board Executive Director (Passenger Marketing) Shivendra Shukla and East Central Railway CPRO Saraswati Chandra, marking a new era of safety and digital integration for Indian rail travelers.