A Mandate for Equal Protection
Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, all train tickets sold at railway station counters across the country must include travel insurance coverage starting October 27, 2026. This decision aims to provide equal protection to all passengers,
regardless of how they purchase their tickets. Previously, this optional insurance facility was only available to those booking online via the IRCTC website or mobile app. The court's order came during proceedings related to broader railway safety issues following the Odisha train accident in June 2023, highlighting the need for a universal safety net. The Railway Board has been made directly responsible for implementing this mandatory directive.
What the Insurance Scheme Covers
The travel insurance provides significant financial support to passengers and their families in the event of a train accident or other untoward incidents during their journey. Based on the existing scheme for online tickets, the coverage is substantial. It includes up to ₹10 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, passengers can receive up to ₹7.5 lakh, and up to ₹2 lakh is provided for hospitalisation expenses for injuries. Additionally, the policy includes a provision of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This framework provides a crucial financial cushion against unforeseen tragedies during rail travel.
How It Will Work for Counter Tickets
While the Supreme Court has set a clear deadline, Indian Railways has yet to clarify the exact process for implementing the scheme at physical counters. For online bookings, the premium is a nominal 45 paise per passenger, which is automatically added to the fare if a user opts in. It is expected that a similar mechanism will be adopted for counter tickets, though the final premium amount and collection method are yet to be announced. The new system must address how passengers will provide details, like nomination for the policy, which is currently done online after booking an e-ticket. This change is seen as a major step toward bridging the digital divide, ensuring that passengers who rely on offline services are not left unprotected.
Eligibility and Key Conditions
The travel insurance scheme is applicable only to Indian citizens; foreign nationals are not eligible. The coverage typically applies to passengers with confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets. One area that remains to be clarified is how the system will handle waitlisted passengers who purchase tickets at counters, as they are not currently covered under the online scheme. The insurance covers the entire journey, from the point of boarding the train to deboarding at the destination. Claims are handled directly by the partner insurance companies, not by IRCTC or Indian Railways.
