A Landmark Directive for Equal Access
Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, Indian Railways will extend its optional travel insurance scheme to all passengers purchasing tickets from physical reservation counters, effective October 27, 2026. This decision addresses a significant
disparity, as the low-cost insurance was previously only available to those who booked their tickets online via the IRCTC website or mobile app. The court's intervention came during proceedings related to railway safety, which were initiated following the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023. The bench noted that passengers from the 'lowest strata of society' who often buy tickets at counters were being denied the same protection as online users, and mandated the change to ensure equitable access to this important safety feature. The Railway Board has been made directly responsible for implementing the order.
What the Insurance Scheme Covers
The optional travel insurance scheme is designed to provide financial support to passengers and their families in the event of a train accident or other untoward incidents during their journey. While the exact premium for counter tickets is yet to be finalised, the existing scheme for online bookings costs a nominal fee of just under 50 paise. For this small sum, the coverage is substantial. The policy provides a payout of ₹10 lakh in the unfortunate event of a passenger's death. It also covers disability, offering ₹10 lakh for permanent total disability and up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability. Furthermore, the plan includes provisions for medical expenses, with up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation due to injury. It also provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains.
How the Scheme Will Work at Counters
The core of the Supreme Court's directive is to make the process at physical counters as seamless as it is online. Currently, when booking through the IRCTC portal, passengers are given a simple checkbox to opt-in for the insurance before payment. The premium is then automatically added to the total fare. It is expected that a similar mechanism will be implemented at ticket counters. Passengers will likely be asked by the booking clerk if they wish to add the insurance cover to their ticket. If they agree, the nominal fee will be added to their final ticket price. This ensures that millions of travellers who rely on traditional ticketing methods, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, are no longer excluded from this protective cover. The insurance is valid from the train's departure until its arrival at the destination, including the process of boarding and de-boarding.
Eligibility and Key Exclusions
The insurance policy is available to all Indian citizens who are travelling on a confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket. However, the scheme does not apply to children under the age of five. When a passenger opts for the insurance, a policy is generated, and the claim and liability exist directly between the passenger and the insurance company partnered with the railways. After booking online, passengers typically receive policy documents via email and are required to fill in nominee details directly on the insurer's portal. A clear process for providing nominee information for counter-booked tickets will be a critical part of the new implementation. It is also important to note that this is an accident insurance scheme, covering specific 'untoward incidents' as defined under the Railways Act, 1989.
