Indian Railways will extend its travel insurance facility to passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026, following a Supreme Court directive. The existing insurance scheme provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability.
Until now, the optional travel insurance facility has been available to eligible passengers booking tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile application. The new directive aims to extend the benefit to passengers who purchase tickets offline, including those who may not have access to online booking services.
However, the Railways has yet to clarify how insurance premiums will be collected from passengers booking tickets at reservation counters.
What Does the New Directive Mean?
Under the existing scheme, passengers booking eligible tickets online can choose whether to opt for travel insurance. The premium is ₹0.45 per passenger, inclusive of taxes, as notified on February 17, 2024.
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the Railways will have to extend insurance coverage to passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters from October 27, 2026. Further details about the implementation and premium collection process are awaited.
What Does Railway Travel Insurance Cover?
The existing railway travel insurance scheme provides the following coverage:
Death: ₹10 lakh
Permanent total disability: ₹10 lakh
Permanent partial disability: ₹7.5 lakh
Hospitalisation expenses: Up to ₹2 lakh
Transportation of mortal remains: ₹10,000
The exact terms and implementation of the insurance facility for counter-ticket passengers will depend on the arrangements announced by the Railways.
Why Did the Supreme Court Issue the Directive?
On October 6, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued directions concerning the availability of travel insurance for railway passengers while hearing a petition related to a train accident in Odisha.
The petition sought an inquiry into the accident and measures to improve railway safety. It also raised concerns about the implementation of the Kavach train protection system.
The court emphasised the need to make travel insurance accessible to all passengers, particularly those from economically weaker sections who may purchase tickets at railway counters rather than online.
According to reports, the Supreme Court noted that sufficient time had been given to the Railways to develop a solution. It subsequently directed the national transporter to extend insurance coverage to passengers buying tickets at reservation counters from October 27, 2026.