A Landmark Directive for Equal Protection
Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, a new era of passenger safety is set to begin on October 27, 2026. For years, a crucial safety net—optional travel insurance—was a privilege largely reserved for those who booked their train tickets
online through the IRCTC portal or app. This left millions of passengers who rely on physical ticket counters, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, without easy access to this benefit. The court's intervention, which came during a hearing related to railway safety improvements after the tragic Odisha train accident in 2023, addresses this disparity. It mandates Indian Railways to make this protection available to all, regardless of how a ticket is purchased, ensuring a more equitable approach to passenger security across the world's fourth-largest railway network.
What the Insurance Scheme Covers
While the exact terms for counter-booked tickets are being finalised by the Railway Board, the coverage is expected to mirror the existing, highly affordable scheme for online tickets. Under the current plan, passengers are provided with significant financial protection in the unfortunate event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined by the Railways Act. The coverage includes up to ₹10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability. For permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The policy also provides for up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses and ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This comprehensive coverage offers a vital financial cushion to families affected by travel-related mishaps.
The Cost and How to Opt-In
For online bookings, the premium for this insurance is a remarkably low 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. While the final premium for counter tickets is yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to be similarly nominal. One of the key questions is how the scheme will be implemented at busy ticket counters. The Supreme Court's order stated the coverage should be mandatory for offline tickets, a shift from the optional nature of online bookings. This suggests the premium may be automatically included in the ticket fare. Passengers purchasing tickets from October 27 onwards should look for information on their ticket or ask the booking clerk for clarification on the process and how the insurance is applied to their journey.
Key Things for Passengers to Know
The insurance coverage becomes active from the actual departure of the train and lasts until the passenger has arrived at their destination, including the process of boarding and de-boarding. It is important to note that, similar to the online scheme, this insurance is only applicable to Indian citizens. It is also not available for children under the age of five who travel without a booked berth or seat. For online bookings, passengers receive policy details via SMS and email and are required to fill in nominee details on the insurer’s website. A similar mechanism will likely be established for counter tickets to ensure that in the event of a claim, the process is as smooth as possible for the passenger or their family. Keeping the ticket and PNR details safe will be more important than ever.
The Claim Process
The responsibility for issuing the policy and settling claims lies with the partner insurance companies, not with IRCTC or Indian Railways. In the event of an incident, the claim would be made by the passenger or their legal heir/nominee directly to the designated insurance provider. The existing online system randomly allocates an insurer from a panel, which has included companies like SBI General Insurance and Liberty General Insurance. Passengers who have this new insurance will need to follow the procedures laid out by the insurer, which typically involves submitting a claim form along with required documentation like the ticket details, identity proofs, and medical or police reports, depending on the nature of the claim.
