Indian Railways is extending its travel insurance facility to passengers who purchase reserved train tickets at railway reservation counters, bringing offline bookings under the same insurance framework as online reservations. The move will take effect on October 27, 2026, following a directive from the Supreme Court.
Under the existing online scheme, eligible passengers can opt for travel insurance for just 45 paise per person, with coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified losses. The extension aims to provide similar access to passengers who do not book their tickets digitally.
Supreme Court Directs Railways to Extend Insurance Coverage
The Supreme Court issued the directive on October 6 while hearing proceedings concerning railway safety following the June 2023 Balasore train accident in Odisha.
The court noted that insurance had been available to passengers booking tickets online, while those purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters did not have access to the same facility.
After giving the authorities time to develop a mechanism for extending coverage to offline passengers, the court directed the Railways to implement the change from October 27. It also made the direction mandatory and placed responsibility for compliance on the Railway Board.
The move is intended to reduce the difference in access to insurance between passengers who book digitally and those who rely on physical reservation counters.
How Much Insurance Coverage Can Passengers Get?
Under the existing optional travel insurance scheme for eligible online bookings, passengers can receive the following benefits for covered incidents, subject to policy terms and conditions:
- Death: ₹10 lakh.
- Permanent total disability: ₹10 lakh.
- Permanent partial disability: Up to ₹7.5 lakh.
- Hospitalisation expenses for injuries: Up to ₹2 lakh.
- Transportation of mortal remains: Up to ₹10,000.
These amounts represent the maximum benefits under specified categories, not an automatic payout to every passenger involved in an accident. Claims are assessed according to the applicable policy conditions.
Will Counter Ticket Buyers Pay 45 Paise?
The existing online insurance option costs 45 paise per passenger, including taxes. However, passengers purchasing tickets at railway counters should wait for official clarification on the premium and payment process applicable to offline bookings.
The Supreme Court has directed the Railways to extend coverage on the same basis as online tickets, but the operational arrangements for counter purchases require implementation.
Passengers should check the information provided at reservation counters once the facility becomes available.
Who Will Benefit from the New Rule?
The extension is particularly relevant for passengers who prefer purchasing tickets in person, including people in areas where internet access or digital booking facilities may be limited.
However, the existing insurance scheme has eligibility conditions. It applies to eligible Indian citizens travelling on qualifying reserved tickets, including confirmed, partly confirmed and RAC bookings. General-class passengers are not automatically included under the existing scheme, and the detailed implementation rules for counter bookings should be checked when officially issued.
Why the Insurance Extension Matters
Rail travel remains an important and affordable mode of transport for millions of Indians. Insurance can provide financial support to passengers or their families following covered accidents and specified injuries.
The new arrangement seeks to make this protection more accessible, regardless of whether a passenger books online or at a station counter. It does not replace any separate statutory compensation obligations of the Railways.
Summary
Indian Railways will extend its travel insurance facility to reserved tickets purchased at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026, following a Supreme Court directive. The existing online scheme offers coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified losses at a premium of 45 paise per passenger. The premium and payment process for counter bookings remain subject to official clarification.
