Indian Railways will extend its travel insurance facility to passengers purchasing tickets at railway station reservation counters from October 27, 2026. The decision follows a Supreme Court directive aimed at ensuring that offline passengers receive the same opportunity for insurance protection as those booking tickets online.
Until now, passengers booking through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or mobile app could opt for travel insurance during the reservation process. However, the same facility was not available to passengers buying tickets directly from railway counters. The new measure seeks to address this difference in coverage.
Supreme Court Sets Deadline for Implementation
The direction was issued on October 6 by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan. The matter came up during proceedings concerning railway safety following the Odisha train accident in June 2023.
The court expressed concern over the delay in extending insurance benefits to passengers purchasing tickets offline, despite earlier assurances from the authorities. It directed the Railway Board to implement the facility within two weeks, setting October 27 as the deadline.
The bench also made it clear that the Railway Board would be held directly responsible if the order was not implemented within the prescribed timeframe.
How Much Travel Insurance Can Passengers Receive?
Under the existing optional travel insurance scheme for online railway bookings, eligible passengers can receive coverage of up to ₹10 lakh in cases of death or permanent total disability, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.
The insurance premium for online bookings is currently 45 paise per passenger, including taxes.
However, the Railways has yet to clarify the detailed arrangements for passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters. Information about the applicable premium, documentation requirements and claims process will depend on the final implementation guidelines.
Passengers should follow official Railway announcements for updates on how the facility will operate for counter bookings.
Why Is the Insurance Extension Important?
The decision is particularly relevant for passengers who rely on physical reservation counters and may have limited access to digital booking services. Extending the insurance option to offline tickets would help ensure that access to travel protection does not depend solely on the method used to purchase a ticket.
The Supreme Court proceedings also addressed broader railway safety issues, including track fencing, foot overbridges and the implementation of the Kavach automatic train-protection system.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Insurance coverage, premiums, eligibility and claim procedures are subject to official Railway announcements and the applicable policy terms. Passengers should check the latest information issued by Indian Railways before making decisions regarding travel insurance.