The Supreme Court's Landmark Directive
In a major move to enhance passenger safety and welfare, the Supreme Court of India has ordered Indian Railways to provide insurance coverage for all tickets sold over the counter at railway stations. This new rule is set to take effect from October 27,
2026. Previously, this travel insurance facility was only available as an option for passengers booking their tickets online through the IRCTC website or app. The court's decision aims to eliminate the distinction between passengers based on their mode of ticket purchase, ensuring equal access to this crucial safeguard. The bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan issued the order after noting a lack of progress by railway authorities in creating a mechanism for offline ticket insurance.
Why Was This Order Necessary?
The directive was issued during the hearing of a petition related to the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023. The case initially focused on investigating the crash and implementing the 'Kavach' anti-collision system, but the Supreme Court expanded its scope to include broader passenger safety issues. The court expressed its disappointment that passengers from economically weaker sections, who often buy tickets at counters, were deprived of insurance benefits. After granting the authorities sufficient time to devise a solution and seeing no progress, the court decided to make the coverage mandatory, holding the Railway Board directly responsible for its implementation.
What the Insurance Typically Covers
While the final details for counter tickets are awaited, the insurance is expected to mirror the existing policy for online bookings. Under the current scheme, passengers are covered for up to ₹10 lakh in the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability resulting from a train accident or other specified untoward incidents. The policy also includes coverage for permanent partial disability up to ₹7.5 lakh and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses due to injury. Additionally, it provides a sum of ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This financial protection applies for the duration of the insured journey.
Cost and Implementation for Passengers
For online bookings, the optional insurance comes at a very nominal premium of just 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. The Supreme Court has directed that tickets sold at counters should be covered 'in the same manner' as online tickets. However, Indian Railways has yet to clarify the exact process and cost for offline tickets. It is uncertain whether the premium will be automatically included in the ticket price or if passengers will be given a choice, though the court's language suggests it will be a mandatory inclusion. Passengers should await a formal announcement from the Railway Board on how this will be rolled out at ticket counters.
What This Means for Your Next Train Journey
Starting October 27, if you buy a ticket at a railway station counter, it will come with insurance protection. This removes a long-standing gap and ensures that all passengers, regardless of their digital access, have a financial safety net during their travels. It is important to note that the existing scheme is only for Indian citizens, and foreign nationals are not eligible. Once the ticket is booked, policy details and a link to fill in nominee information are typically sent via SMS and email by the insurance company. How this process will be adapted for counter tickets, where email addresses and mobile numbers may not always be collected, remains a key detail that the Railways will need to address.
