A Landmark Supreme Court Directive
The change comes after a Supreme Court directive on October 6, 2026. While hearing a petition related to the tragic Odisha train accident in 2023, the court mandated that the travel insurance facility be extended to all passengers, regardless of how they
purchase their tickets. Previously, only those booking tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app could opt for this insurance. The court noted that many passengers, particularly from economically weaker sections, rely on physical ticket counters and should not be denied this crucial safety net. The Railway Board has been made directly responsible for implementing this order by the deadline.
What Does the Insurance Cover?
The insurance scheme provides a significant financial safety net in the event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined under the Railways Act. While the exact terms for counter-bought tickets are awaited, they are expected to mirror the existing online scheme. The current coverage for online ticket holders includes: ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses. Additionally, it provides ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage applies from the actual departure to the arrival of the train, including the process of boarding and de-boarding.
How to Get the Insurance and What's the Cost?
For tickets booked online via IRCTC, the current premium is a nominal 45 paise per passenger. It is expected that a similar minimal fee will apply to tickets purchased at counters. Indian Railways is yet to clarify the exact mechanism for passengers at the counter. It is likely that booking clerks will ask passengers if they wish to opt-in, and the small premium will be added to the total fare. Some reports have suggested the scheme might be made mandatory for all tickets, but official details are pending. Passengers should keep an eye out for official announcements from Indian Railways regarding the final process.
Who is Eligible for This Scheme?
The Supreme Court's order aims to make insurance accessible to every passenger buying tickets at station counters. The existing online scheme is available only to Indian citizens booking confirmed or RAC tickets. It does not cover foreign nationals or children below the age of five travelling without a berth. It remains to be seen if the same eligibility criteria will apply to the new scheme for counter tickets. The court's intention was to cover those who are currently excluded, which includes a large number of people who buy unreserved or general class tickets at stations. The final details will clarify the full scope of eligibility for this new provision.
Filing a Claim
In the unfortunate event of an incident, the process to file a claim will be handled by the designated insurance companies. IRCTC and Indian Railways act as facilitators, but the policy is a contract between the passenger and the insurer. For online tickets, policy details and a link to fill in nominee information are sent via SMS and email. It is crucial to fill in nominee details to ensure a smooth claim process for your family. If no nominee is declared, the settlement is made with the legal heirs, which can be a longer process. A similar procedure is expected to be outlined for counter tickets, likely involving a physical form or a way to update nominee details online using the ticket's PNR number.
