A Landmark Directive for Passenger Parity
Following a Supreme Court order on October 6, 2026, Indian Railways will make its optional travel insurance available to all passengers buying tickets from station counters, effective October 27, 2026. Previously, this facility was exclusively available to those
who booked their tickets online via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app. The court's intervention came during proceedings related to the June 2023 Odisha train disaster, which brought passenger safety measures under intense scrutiny. The directive aims to eliminate the disparity and provide a safety net to millions of travelers, particularly those from lower-income groups and rural areas who primarily rely on physical counters for their ticketing needs.
Understanding the Insurance Coverage
The travel insurance scheme offers substantial financial protection in the event of a rail accident or other 'untoward incidents' during the journey. The coverage is comprehensive and includes several categories. In the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability, the policy provides a sum of ₹10 lakh to the nominee or the passenger. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The policy also includes provisions for medical expenses, covering hospitalization for injuries up to ₹2 lakh. Additionally, it provides up to ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This coverage applies uniformly across all travel classes.
How Much Will It Cost?
One of the most attractive features of the existing online insurance scheme is its remarkably low cost. For tickets booked through the IRCTC portal, the premium is currently just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of all taxes. While the exact premium for counter tickets is yet to be formally announced by the Railways, the Supreme Court has directed that the benefit be extended in the 'same manner' as online tickets, suggesting a similarly nominal cost. This affordability is key to making the scheme accessible to all strata of society, transforming it from an optional extra into a viable safety measure for every traveler. The premium is non-refundable once paid.
How to Opt-In and Who is Eligible
The scheme is optional and available to all Indian citizens. Foreign nationals are not eligible for this cover. While the precise mechanism for opting in at physical counters is being implemented by the Railway Board, it is expected to be integrated into the ticket booking process. Passengers will likely need to indicate their choice to the booking clerk at the counter. For online tickets, customers receive policy details via SMS and email, along with a link to fill in nominee information, which is a crucial step. A similar process is anticipated for counter bookings. The insurance covers all passengers on a single PNR if the option is chosen. It is important to note that children below the age of five are not covered under this policy.
Why This Extension is a Game-Changer
Extending this insurance to counter bookings is a significant step towards equitable passenger rights and social security. It acknowledges that the risk of travel is the same for every passenger, regardless of how they purchased their ticket. Millions of Indians, especially in areas with limited internet access, depend on the vast network of railway station counters. This Supreme Court-mandated move ensures they are no longer excluded from a crucial financial safety net that was previously a privilege of digital users. By making this affordable protection universally available, Indian Railways is reinforcing its commitment to the safety and well-being of every person who travels on its network. The responsibility for the successful implementation of this directive lies squarely with the Railway Board.
