A Landmark Decision for Passenger Safety
For years, a significant disparity existed in the Indian Railways system. Passengers booking tickets online through the IRCTC portal could opt for travel insurance for a nominal fee, but those who purchased tickets at station counters had no such option.
This left a large segment of travellers, particularly from rural and semi-urban areas, without financial protection during unforeseen incidents. Following a Supreme Court order, this is set to change from October 27, 2026. The court has directed Indian Railways to make travel protection available for all passengers, bridging a critical gap and ensuring a more equitable safety standard across all booking methods. This decision has been praised as a major step forward for passenger welfare, prompted in part by public interest litigation following major train accidents.
What Does The Travel Protection Cover?
The travel protection scheme offers significant financial coverage in the event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined by the Railways Act. While the premium for counter tickets is yet to be formally announced, the coverage is expected to mirror what is currently offered to online bookers. The policy provides uniform benefits across all travel classes. Key coverage details include a sum of up to ₹10 lakh in the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The plan also includes provisions for medical expenses, covering up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation due to injury, and a sum of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The exact mechanism for opting into the scheme at physical counters is being finalised by the Railway Board. However, it is anticipated to be a straightforward process integrated into the ticket booking workflow. Based on the existing online system, passengers will likely be asked if they wish to add travel protection when purchasing their ticket. It is crucial to provide a valid mobile number, as this is how the policy details and a link to update nominee information are sent from the insurance company. For online tickets, the premium is exceptionally low—currently around 45 paise per passenger. It is expected that a similarly affordable premium will be set for counter tickets. This optional protection is available only to Indian citizens, and children under the age of five are typically not covered.
Understanding the Fine Print
Once you opt-in, the insurance coverage is valid from the actual departure of the train until your arrival at the destination, including the process of boarding and de-boarding. After booking, passengers receive their policy details via SMS and email. It is imperative to use the provided link to fill in the nominee details on the insurer's website. Failure to do so can lead to significant delays and legal complexities for your family if a claim needs to be made. The insurance is provided by a panel of companies, and one is randomly assigned to your PNR. Any claims or communication regarding the policy must be directed to the respective insurance company, not IRCTC or Indian Railways. Claims must typically be filed within four months of the incident, supported by necessary documents.
