Good news for train passengers:Insurance option now available for citizens who buy tickets at counter too

Good news for ordinary passengers travelling by train. Every ticket purchased at railway station counters will also be eligible for accident insurance from Tuesday, 27 October, 2026. The Supreme Court earlier said that just as passengers booking tickets online receive insurance protection, poor and ordinary passengers who buy tickets at counters should also benefit. The top court had added that if the Railways failed to implement the order, direct action would be taken against the Railway Board. Until now, only passengers booking tickets online were eligible for insurance. The facility will remain optional for offline tickets as well, just as it is for online bookings. Making travel insurance mandatory for all train travellers is a welcome step towards strengthening passenger safety and financial protection in India. The Supreme Court’s decision reiterates just how important travel insurance is and recognises it as an essential safeguard rather than an optional add-on. Railways are a means of regular transport for millions of Indians. For millions of such passengers, insurance at an affordable premium can provide crucial financial support to passengers and their families in the event of unforeseen accidents. This move emphasizes that travel insurance is not just meant for certain situations, but an essential companion of the common man and an integral part of every journey. -Manas Kapoor, Business Head – Travel Insurance, Policybazaar Court Expands Scope of Safety Measures After Odisha Train Accident Following the train accident in Odisha in June 2023, a petition was filed in court. It sought the early installation of a safety system designed to prevent train accidents across all trains and the formation of a committee to investigate such accidents. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the court has also included other important issues related to passenger safety, such as foot overbridges at railway stations, installing protective fencing around railway tracks, and the lack of insurance coverage for passengers who purchase tickets through station counters. Benefits for Passengers Purchasing Tickets at Counters The Supreme Court observed that ordinary passengers mostly purchase tickets at railway station counters. The Railways had been given sufficient time to arrange insurance coverage for these passengers, but no action had been taken. Therefore, from October 27, 2026, it was made mandatory for railway station counters to offer an insurance option on every ticket, just as they do for online bookings. The next hearing in the case will take place on November 16, 2026. Important Questions and Answers About Railway Travel Insurance Question: How much insurance coverage will a passenger receive under different circumstances? Answer: Accidents covered by insurance: Insurance benefits will be payable in cases where a passenger dies, loses a limb, or suffers serious injuries due to a train derailment, a collision between two trains, a terrorist attack, or any other untoward incident. Situations in which no payment will be made: No compensation or insurance coverage will be provided if a passenger attempts suicide, deliberately harms themselves, or meets with an accident due to mental instability. How much compensation will be provided? The amount depends on the extent of the loss or injury. For example, the maximum coverage may be up to ₹10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability, while medical expenses may be covered in the case of injuries. Question: Is travel insurance available to passengers in all travel classes? Answer: This insurance is available for confirmed and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets across all travel classes, including First AC, Second AC, Third AC, Sleeper Class, and Chair Car. However, passengers purchasing tickets at railway station counters are not eligible for this facility. Additionally, following a recent change, the optional insurance policy is no longer available for children travelling on half-fare tickets. The policy can be availed of only with full-fare tickets. Question: How can passengers file a claim under railway travel insurance? Answer: An insurance claim can be filed within four months of a train accident. The injured passenger, their nominee, or their legal heir can submit a claim. To do so, an application must be submitted to the insurance company’s office along with the relevant supporting documents. Question: Are unreserved passengers eligible for travel insurance? Answer: The travel insurance facility is currently available only to passengers who purchase reserved tickets. If an unreserved passenger is involved in an accident, they are entitled only to the compensation provided by the government. Question: When was railway travel insurance introduced? Answer: Indian Railways introduced optional travel insurance for passengers in September 2016 for their convenience. At that time, the insurance premium was 92 paise per passenger, which was paid by the government. In August 2018, the premium was reduced to 42 paise per passenger. It was subsequently lowered further to 35 paise. Following a recent change, the Railways has increased the premium to 45 paise. Passengers must now pay this amount themselves when booking their tickets.