Starting October 27, 2026, passengers purchasing train tickets at railway reservation counters will be eligible for travel insurance, similar to those booking online through IRCTC. This change follows a Supreme Court order aimed at extending insurance coverage to all railway passengers, regardless of their booking method.
- Train ticket insurance currently available for online bookings will now include counter bookings.
- The Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to cover tickets sold at reservation counters under the insurance scheme.
- The existing insurance premium for online bookings is 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes.
- Insurance benefits include coverage for permanent partial disability, hospitalization expenses, and transportation of mortal remains.
- Details on premium payment and operational procedures for counter bookings are yet to be specified.
What is the current train ticket insurance policy for online bookings?
Currently, eligible Indian citizens can opt for travel insurance when booking train tickets online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The premium for this insurance is 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. This insurance is optional, and passengers who choose it receive policy details via SMS and email. They can also view their policy number in their IRCTC booking history.
What benefits does the IRCTC travel insurance provide?
The insurance policy covers specific losses resulting from railway accidents or untoward incidents. The benefits include:
- Permanent partial disability: coverage up to ₹7.5 lakh.
- Hospitalization expenses for injuries: coverage up to ₹2 lakh.
- Transportation of mortal remains: coverage of ₹10,000.
These benefits are subject to the policy's terms, conditions, and exclusions. It is important to note that the ₹10 lakh benefit is not automatically paid to every passenger involved in a railway accident.
What changes will take place from October 27, 2026?
Following the Supreme Court's October 6, 2026 order in the case of Union of India v. Radha Yadav and connected matters, Indian Railways must extend travel insurance coverage to passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters. This move addresses the previous gap where only online bookings had access to insurance.
How will the insurance work for passengers booking at railway counters?
The Supreme Court's order mandates insurance coverage for counter bookings but does not specify the premium amount or the operational procedures for these passengers. It is unclear whether counter-ticket buyers will pay the same premium as online passengers or how they will be enrolled in the insurance scheme. Further details are expected from Indian Railways to clarify these aspects.
Why did the Supreme Court issue this directive?
The Court recognized that passengers booking tickets offline at railway counters were excluded from the insurance facility available to online bookers. To ensure equal protection for all railway passengers, the Court directed Indian Railways to extend the insurance coverage to counter bookings as well.
