A Landmark Directive for Passenger Safety
Following a directive from the Supreme Court of India, Indian Railways will roll out travel insurance coverage for all tickets sold at physical counters starting October 27, 2026. This order came during proceedings related to the tragic Odisha train accident
in June 2023, which brought passenger safety and accountability into sharp focus. The court highlighted the need to close the accessibility gap for millions of travellers who rely on offline ticketing, including those in rural areas or who are less comfortable with digital platforms. Previously, the optional insurance scheme was only available to passengers booking e-tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app.
What the Travel Protection Covers
The insurance scheme provides a crucial financial safety net in the event of a train accident or other 'untoward incidents' as defined by the Railways Act. While the exact premium for counter tickets is yet to be confirmed, the existing online scheme costs a nominal 45 paise per passenger. For this small fee, the coverage is substantial. The policy provides ₹10 lakh in the case of death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses. It also includes ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This insurance is separate from and in addition to the statutory compensation that the Railways is liable to pay under the Railways Act, 1989.
How the Scheme Will Work at Counters
The Supreme Court has mandated that from October 27, 2026, all tickets sold over the counter must be covered by insurance. This marks a shift from the 'optional' nature of the online scheme, making it a mandatory provision for offline tickets. The Railway Board has been made directly responsible for implementing this directive. While the precise mechanism for counter bookings is still being finalised by railway authorities, it is expected that the premium will be incorporated into the total ticket fare at the point of sale. Passengers will receive policy details and information on how to fill in nomination details, which is a critical step for a smooth claims process. The claim and liability will be directly between the insured passenger and the insurance company.
Who Is Eligible for This Insurance?
The scheme is applicable to all passengers who are Indian citizens. It is important to note that foreign nationals are not eligible for this specific travel insurance plan. The coverage applies to all ticket classes. Children between the ages of 5 and 11, for whom a ticket is booked, are covered under the policy. However, children under the age of five who travel without a booked berth or seat are not covered. The goal of the court's mandate is to ensure that every passenger, regardless of their mode of ticket purchase, has equal access to this financial protection.
