SC Mandates Railway Insurance for Counter Tickets from 2026
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark directive that will provide much-needed security to millions of commuters. Starting October 27, 2026, railway insurance for counter tickets will be mandatory, ensuring that passengers purchasing physical tickets at reservation counters receive the same protections as those booking through digital platforms.
Bridging the Gap Between Online and Offline Travelers
For a long time, a significant disparity existed in the safety provisions offered by Indian Railways. While passengers booking online automatically received insurance coverage, those relying on physical reservation counters—often economically disadvantaged travelers—were left without similar safeguards. The Supreme Court expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the slow progress of rail safety measures and emphasized the necessity of providing equitable protection to all passengers, regardless of how they purchase their tickets.
Coverage and Compensation Details
The new mandate aims to bring offline ticket holders on par with digital users. Under this ruling, the insurance coverage will include:
- Death or Permanent Total Disability: Passengers will be eligible for insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh in the event of a rail accident.
- Other Injuries: Compensation for various other injuries or situations will be determined according to the defined policy terms.
- Specific Scope: It is important to note that this insurance applies specifically to designated rail accidents and does not cover general illnesses or non-rail-related incidents.
Implementation and Railway Board Accountability
To ensure this mandate is met, the Supreme Court has directed the Railway Board to carry out necessary updates to the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) software. This technical overhaul is required to facilitate the integration of insurance coverage into the offline ticketing process.
The court has made it clear that the Railway Board will be held directly accountable for any failure to comply with this order. This decision stems from a petition filed following the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023, which highlighted the urgent need for uniform safety and insurance provisions across the nation.
While the current premium for online tickets is approximately 45 paise per passenger, the exact premium details for counter tickets are still forthcoming. Travelers are encouraged to review policy terms carefully and ensure that accurate nomination details are provided during the ticketing process to facilitate potential claims.