Train passengers who buy reserved tickets directly from railway station counters will soon receive travel insurance coverage under a new directive.
The Indian Railways Ticket Insurance change is scheduled to take effect on October 27, 2026, following directions from the Supreme Court of India.
Until now, passengers booking eligible train tickets online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) could opt for travel insurance during booking, while counter-ticket buyers did not have the same facility.
The new direction aims to extend insurance protection to offline bookings as well.
The change comes ahead of Diwali, when many people travel by train to visit family and friends.
Passengers who prefer purchasing tickets at reservation counters should understand how the new arrangement will affect their bookings.
Indian Railways Ticket Insurance Rule From October 27
The Supreme Court directed the Railways to extend insurance coverage to tickets sold at reservation counters from October 27, 2026.
The order was issued on October 6 by a bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan.
The court said counter-sold tickets should receive insurance coverage on the same basis as online tickets. It also made implementation mandatory and placed responsibility on the Railway Board if the direction is not followed.
The matter arose during proceedings concerning railway passenger safety after the deadly Balasore train accident in Odisha in June 2023.
The case also involves concerns about railway safety measures, including the implementation of the Kavach train protection system and other infrastructure improvements.
The court’s direction addresses the difference between online and offline ticket bookings, particularly for passengers who rely on station counters instead of digital platforms.
Extending insurance to counter bookings is intended to provide these travellers with access to similar financial protection.
How Much Will Train Travel Insurance Cost?
Under the existing IRCTC online booking facility, eligible passengers can opt for travel insurance at a nominal premium of 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. The premium has applied since February 17, 2024.
However, the exact premium and implementation details for counter-ticket insurance should be confirmed through official railway announcements.
The Supreme Court’s direction requires coverage for counter tickets on the same basis as online bookings, but passengers should check the applicable terms before assuming that every detail will remain unchanged.
The existing online insurance facility provides financial protection against specified railway accidents and other covered incidents.
Depending on the policy terms and the nature of the incident, coverage can include death, permanent disability, certain injury-related hospital expenses and transportation of mortal remains.
Published information on the existing scheme indicates that the insured amount can range from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the type and severity of the covered incident.
The actual compensation depends on the policy conditions and eligibility requirements.
Who Will Benefit From the New Railway Rule?
The change is particularly relevant to passengers who prefer buying tickets at railway reservation counters.
These include travellers who do not regularly use online booking platforms or who prefer completing their reservations in person.
By extending insurance coverage to counter tickets, the Railways is expected to bring offline bookings closer to the existing online insurance arrangement.
This could help passengers access financial protection without needing to book through a website or mobile application.
Nevertheless, insurance is not a substitute for railway safety measures.
It provides financial support for specified covered events, while accident prevention continues to depend on infrastructure, operational safeguards and effective safety systems.
Passengers should also remember that coverage is subject to the applicable policy terms.
They should retain their ticket and relevant booking documents and check the insurer’s claim procedure if an eligible incident occurs.
What Should Train Passengers Do Before Diwali?
Travellers planning journeys after October 27, 2026, should check the updated arrangements when purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters.
They should ask railway staff about how insurance coverage will be reflected in their booking and whether any additional steps are required.
Passengers booking online should continue reviewing the insurance option and its terms during the reservation process.
Those buying tickets offline should look for official information about the new facility rather than assuming that they must purchase a separate policy.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the broader railway safety matter for November 16, 2026. The Railway Board is responsible for implementing the insurance direction by the specified deadline.
For passengers travelling during the festive season, the key change is that reserved tickets purchased at railway counters are also expected to receive travel insurance coverage from October 27.
Checking the final implementation details will help travellers understand the protection available to them.
