Indian Railways has rolled out a significant update for passengers buying reserved tickets at station counters. A valuable travel insurance option, previously exclusive to online bookings, is now available, but with a modern twist.
A Major Change at the Ticket Counter
In a move that bridges
the gap between online and offline booking experiences, Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to tickets purchased at physical reservation counters. Effective October 27, 2026, passengers who buy reserved tickets in person can now opt for insurance coverage, a facility that was previously only available for e-tickets booked via the IRCTC website or app. This decision came after a Supreme Court directive aimed at providing the same safety net to all passengers, regardless of how they purchase their tickets. However, there is a crucial condition: to avail this insurance, the entire transaction, including the ticket fare and the nominal insurance premium, must be paid for digitally.
Why Digital Payment is Mandatory
The mandatory digital payment rule is a practical one. The insurance premium is just 45 paise per passenger. Since smaller denomination coins like 5, 10, 20, and 25 paise are no longer legal tender, collecting this exact amount in cash is impossible for booking clerks. To solve this, the Railway Board has mandated that if a passenger chooses the insurance, the entire amount must be paid using digital methods like UPI (via QR code), debit cards, or credit cards. This aligns counter transactions with the digital-first approach of online bookings and ensures a transparent electronic trail for every policy issued. Passengers not opting for insurance can still pay their fare in cash.
What the 45-Paise Insurance Covers
For a cost of less than half a rupee, the optional insurance scheme provides significant financial protection in the event of a train accident or other untoward incidents during the journey. The coverage includes up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability. It also provides up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses due to injury. Additionally, the policy includes a provision of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This scheme is available for all passengers with confirmed, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), or partially confirmed tickets.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process at the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter is straightforward. When filling out the reservation form, you must indicate that you want to opt for the travel insurance. Crucially, you must also provide a valid mobile number on the form. This is mandatory, as the policy details and confirmation will be sent to this number. When it's time to pay, inform the clerk you are paying digitally. You can then scan a QR code using a UPI app like Google Pay or PhonePe, or use a debit or credit card at the PoS machine. Always doublecheck your printed ticket to ensure the insurance option is correctly reflected before you leave the window.
The Bigger Picture for Passengers
This new rule is more than just a procedural change; it's a significant step towards passenger welfare and digital integration. It empowers millions of travellers who rely on counter bookings with an affordable safety net that was previously out of reach. By linking this benefit to digital payments, Indian Railways is also subtly encouraging the adoption of cashless transactions, contributing to the broader Digital India initiative. For the passenger, it means a more secure journey is now just a QR code scan away, even when booking in person. The incredibly low premium of 45 paise makes it an accessible and valuable addition for almost every traveller seeking extra peace of mind.
