Train passengers who book their tickets at railway reservation counters will soon get access to a travel insurance facility previously available through online bookings. The move follows a Supreme Court directive and is scheduled to take effect on October 27, 2026.
Under the existing optional insurance scheme, eligible passengers can get coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified losses by paying just 45 paise per person, including taxes. The extension aims to bring offline bookings under the same insurance framework, making the facility accessible to passengers who prefer purchasing tickets at railway stations.
However, passengers should note that the premium and payment process for counter bookings still require official clarification.
Supreme Court Directs Indian Railways To Extend Insurance Facility
The Supreme Court issued the directive on October 6 while hearing proceedings related to railway safety following the June 2023 Balasore train accident in Odisha. During the proceedings, the court noted that passengers booking tickets online could opt for travel insurance, while those purchasing reserved tickets at railway counters did not have access to the same facility.
The court gave the authorities time to develop a mechanism for extending the insurance option to offline bookings. It subsequently directed Indian Railways to implement the change from October 27, 2026. The Railway Board has been made responsible for ensuring compliance with the direction. The decision aims to address the difference in access to travel insurance between passengers who book tickets digitally and those who rely on physical reservation counters.
How Much Insurance Coverage Can Train Passengers Get?
Under the existing optional travel insurance scheme, eligible passengers can receive financial protection for specified losses resulting from covered railway accidents. The maximum benefits vary depending on the type of loss. The coverage includes ₹10 lakh in the event of death and up to ₹10 lakh for permanent total disability. Passengers who suffer permanent partial disability may be eligible for compensation of up to ₹7.5 lakh.
The policy also provides for hospitalisation expenses of up to ₹2 lakh for injuries and up to ₹10,000 towards the transportation of mortal remains. These are maximum benefits for specified categories, not guaranteed payouts in every case. The amount payable depends on the circumstances and the applicable policy terms and conditions.
Will Passengers Buying Tickets At Counters Pay Just 45 Paise?
The existing online travel insurance option costs 45 paise per passenger, including taxes. However, passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters should wait for official clarification on the premium and payment procedure for offline bookings. The Supreme Court has directed the Railways to extend the facility on the same basis as online reservations. The practical arrangements for offering insurance at counters will depend on the implementation mechanism.
Passengers should check official announcements and information displayed at railway reservation counters once the facility becomes available. It is also important to remember that the insurance is optional under the existing scheme. Passengers should review the terms before deciding whether to purchase it.
Who Is Eligible For Railway Travel Insurance?
The existing scheme covers eligible Indian citizens travelling on qualifying reserved tickets. These include confirmed, partly confirmed and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) bookings, subject to the applicable conditions. Passengers travelling in general-class compartments are not automatically covered under the existing optional insurance scheme.
Since the extension to counter bookings is scheduled for October 27, passengers should check the detailed eligibility requirements when the Railways issues its implementation instructions. They should not assume that every ticket type will qualify automatically.
Why Does The Insurance Extension Matter?
Millions of Indians depend on trains for daily travel and long-distance journeys. While rail transport remains an affordable option, serious accidents can leave passengers and their families facing unexpected financial difficulties. Travel insurance can provide financial support in specified circumstances, including death, disability and injuries covered by the policy.
Extending access to counter bookings would allow passengers who do not use online reservation platforms to consider the same protection. This is particularly relevant for people who prefer booking tickets in person or have limited access to digital services. The insurance facility does not replace any separate statutory compensation obligations that may apply to Indian Railways.
What Passengers Should Know
From October 27, 2026, Indian Railways is scheduled to extend its travel insurance facility to eligible reserved tickets purchased at railway reservation counters, following the Supreme Court’s directive. The existing online scheme offers coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified losses at a premium of 45 paise per passenger, including taxes. However, the premium and payment arrangements for offline bookings remain subject to official clarification.
Passengers should check the Railways’ official instructions before booking and review the policy conditions carefully. The key change is the planned expansion of access to insurance, not an automatic ₹10 lakh payout for every railway passenger.
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