Passengers purchasing train tickets directly from railway station counters will receive travel insurance coverage from October 27, 2026, following a directive issued by the Supreme Court. The order seeks to extend the financial protection available to online ticket buyers to offline passengers, many of whom belong to economically weaker sections and rely on reservation counters for booking their journeys.
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued the direction on October 6 while hearing a petition linked to the Odisha train accident of June 2023. The petition sought an investigation into the tragedy and raised concerns over the alleged failure to implement the Kavach train protection system, demanding its rollout across the railway network.
Railway Board Warned Against Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court had earlier given railway authorities time to work out a mechanism for extending insurance benefits to passengers purchasing tickets over the counter. However, during the October 6 hearing, the Bench expressed concern over the lack of progress and ordered Indian Railways to bring all counter-booked tickets under insurance coverage within two weeks.
The court made it clear that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible if the directive was not implemented. The order emphasised that sufficient time had already been provided to develop a system to cover passengers who may not have access to online booking facilities.
The court directed that, from October 27, all tickets sold at railway station counters must carry insurance coverage on the same lines as tickets booked online.
How Insurance Works for Online Train Bookings
At present, passengers booking tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or mobile application can opt for travel insurance while completing their reservation. The facility provides financial protection against specified losses arising from train accidents and other covered incidents during the journey.
The insurance premium is 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes, under the scheme effective from February 17, 2024. The coverage is optional for online bookings, with passengers required to select the insurance option during the payment process.
The Supreme Court’s latest direction seeks to bridge the gap between online and offline ticket purchasers by extending insurance protection to those booking at reservation counters. The move is expected to benefit passengers who depend on traditional booking methods and ensure broader access to financial protection during train travel.