SC Mandates Travel Insurance for Counter-Booked Tickets
In a landmark decision aimed at providing financial security to millions of commuters, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters. This mandatory protection is set to roll out starting October 27, 2026.
Court Directs Immediate Implementation
The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan on October 6, 2026. The ruling comes in the wake of ongoing discussions regarding railway safety, which gained significant momentum following the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023.
During the proceedings, the court expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the delay in extending insurance benefits to offline passengers. While the insurance scheme has long been available as an optional service for those booking via IRCTC online, counter-booking passengers were left without similar coverage. To rectify this, the court has ordered the Railway Board to finalize all implementation details within two weeks, warning that the Board will be held directly accountable for any further non-compliance.
Comprehensive Coverage and Low Premiums
The insurance policy is designed to be highly accessible, with a premium rate established at just 45 paise per person. Despite the minimal cost, the coverage offers significant financial protection for travelers in the event of unforeseen accidents.
The benefits under this scheme include:
- Up to ₹10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability.
- ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability.
- Up to ₹2 lakh to cover injury-related hospitalization expenses.
- ₹10,000 toward the transportation of mortal remains.
Eligibility and Technical Logistics
While the expansion provides much-needed security for the majority of commuters, the insurance is exclusively available to Indian citizens. Foreign tourists traveling via Indian Railways will remain ineligible for this specific insurance plan.
Currently, the Railway Board is working to finalize the technical logistics required to collect these small premiums during physical transactions at station counters. This move ensures that every passenger, whether they book through a smartphone or a physical ticket window, receives the same level of comprehensive financial protection.