The Supreme Court's Insurance Mandate
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has ordered Indian Railways to provide travel insurance for all tickets sold at reservation counters, starting from October 27, 2026. Previously, this low-cost insurance was an optional add-on available
only to those who booked their tickets online via the IRCTC portal. The court noted that passengers who buy tickets at counters, often from lower-income groups and less familiar with digital platforms, were being denied this crucial safety net. The decision was prompted by a case filed after the tragic Odisha train accident in June 2023, which brought passenger safety and insurance coverage into sharp focus. The court has made the Railway Board directly responsible for implementing this order, aiming to provide equal access to financial protection for all passengers, regardless of how they buy their ticket.
Understanding the Travel Insurance
So, what does this railway insurance actually cover? For a nominal premium, which has been as low as 45 paise for online tickets, passengers are covered against several unfortunate events that might occur during their journey. The policy typically provides significant financial compensation for death or permanent total disability, often up to ₹10 lakh. It also includes coverage for permanent partial disability (up to ₹7.5 lakh), hospitalisation expenses for injuries (up to ₹2 lakh), and a provision for the transportation of mortal remains (up to ₹10,000). This insurance is designed to provide a financial cushion to passengers and their families in the event of a train accident or other untoward incidents defined under the Railways Act.
New Rules at the Ticket Counter
Alongside the insurance directive, Indian Railways has been tightening rules for tickets issued at physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. A key requirement that has been progressively rolled out is the mandatory furnishing of a passenger's mobile number on the reservation form. In some cases, particularly for high-demand Tatkal tickets, an OTP (One-Time Password) is sent to this mobile number for verification before the ticket is issued. This system is designed to achieve two main goals: first, to curb the menace of touts and unauthorised agents who engage in bulk booking, and second, to ensure Railways can directly communicate with passengers about their journey, including delays, cancellations, or platform changes.
Why These Changes Matter
These developments are about more than just new rules; they represent a significant shift towards passenger welfare and system transparency. The Supreme Court's order on insurance closes a discriminatory gap, ensuring that a passenger's safety net doesn't depend on their access to the internet. For years, those who relied on counters were excluded from the optional insurance scheme. The mandatory mobile number requirement, while adding a step to the booking process, is a crucial tool for both security and service. It helps ensure genuine passengers get tickets, especially during peak demand for services like Tatkal, and allows for vital, real-time updates that were previously difficult to disseminate to those who booked offline.
What This Means For You
For the everyday traveller, these changes bring both new responsibilities and better protections. When buying a ticket at a counter, you must now ensure you provide a correct and active mobile number. With the new ruling, insurance will likely be automatically included in your ticket fare, providing peace of mind. For those who book online, the process remains largely the same, though the insurance that was once optional may become mandatory for all. The key takeaway is that Indian Railways is moving towards a more unified and secure system, where every passenger, whether they book online or offline, has access to the same safety features and communication channels. This is a welcome step towards making train journeys safer and more predictable for everyone.
