The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to passengers purchasing train tickets at railway station counters from October 27, 2026. Until now, the facility has been available to passengers booking tickets online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), who can opt for insurance by paying a small additional premium.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan issued the order on October 6, 2026, while hearing a petition filed in connection with the Odisha train accident of June 2023.
The direction is intended to extend insurance protection to passengers who book tickets offline. However, details regarding the premium, policy documentation and claims process for counter bookings will depend on the arrangements introduced by the railway authorities.
Is Train Travel Insurance Mandatory for Counter Tickets?
Under the Supreme Court’s direction, Indian Railways must extend insurance coverage to tickets sold at railway counters from October 27, 2026. This differs from the existing online booking system, under which passengers can choose whether to purchase travel insurance through the IRCTC website or mobile application.
The premium for the existing online insurance facility is 45 paise per passenger, including taxes. The same facility has not previously been available for tickets purchased at railway counters.
The premium applicable to offline bookings has not yet been confirmed and may differ from the online rate. The process for issuing insurance certificates, identifying covered passengers and managing claims will also depend on the system implemented by the authorities.
Commenting on the development, Manas Kapoor, Business Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, said that making insurance mandatory for train travellers was a welcome step towards improving passenger protection and strengthening the role of travel insurance.
Train Insurance Coverage and Compensation Amounts
Under the existing online travel insurance scheme, passengers receive coverage for specified losses arising from train accidents and certain other covered incidents during their journey. The available coverage amounts are as follows:
| Type of coverage | Insurance amount |
|---|---|
| Death | ₹10,00,000 |
| Permanent total disability | ₹10,00,000 |
| Permanent partial disability | ₹7,50,000 |
| Hospitalisation expenses for injuries | ₹2,00,000 |
| Transportation of mortal remains | ₹10,000 |
The Supreme Court’s direction does not mean that every accident, injury or other incident will automatically qualify for the maximum compensation. Claims will remain subject to the applicable policy terms, coverage limits and conditions.
Passengers should also note that the insurance arrangements differ according to the ticket and eligibility rules. Under the existing scheme, children below five years of age travelling without a separately booked seat or berth are not covered. Children aged five to 11 years are eligible when tickets are booked with or without a berth.
What Should Passengers Do to Claim Train Insurance?
In the event of a train accident or another covered incident, passengers or their family members should preserve the train ticket and relevant journey records. Medical reports, hospital bills and other supporting documents may also be required, depending on the nature of the claim.
Passengers booking tickets at railway counters should check the official insurance terms and claim procedures once Indian Railways announces the arrangements for offline bookings.
Under the existing insurance framework, the claim and associated liability are matters between the insured passenger and the insurance company. The applicable policy conditions will determine the benefits available and the documents required.
The Supreme Court’s order marks a significant change in the availability of train travel insurance by extending the direction to include counter-booked tickets. However, passengers should wait for the official implementation details to confirm the premium, coverage documentation and claim process applicable to their bookings.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal or insurance advice. Coverage amounts, eligibility requirements and claim payments are subject to the applicable insurance policy and official implementation guidelines. Passengers should refer to notifications issued by Indian Railways and the relevant insurer for the latest confirmed terms and procedures.