Rail Passengers to Get ₹10 Lakh Insurance for 45 Paise

Indian Railways is set to extend travel insurance benefits to passengers purchasing reserved tickets at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026. The move aims to provide equal insurance coverage to both online and offline ticket buyers.

Under the existing optional travel insurance scheme on IRCTC, passengers can receive coverage of up to ₹10 lakh by paying a premium of just 45 paise per passenger. The policy provides compensation in cases of death or permanent total disability due to a train accident.

The change follows Supreme Court intervention after the June 2023 Odisha train tragedy. A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan expressed concern over delays in extending insurance benefits to counter-ticket holders and directed the Railway Board to implement the facility by October 27.

The move is expected to benefit millions of passengers who prefer booking reserved tickets at railway counters, ensuring equal access to travel insurance regardless of the booking method. Details regarding the applicable premium and claim procedures for counter bookings are awaited.