Mandatory Train Insurance: Is Your Journey Covered?

The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend accident insurance to counter-ticket buyers from October 27. Until now, only online IRCTC bookers had access to this cover. Here's what changes for every train traveller in India.

Here's what happened: The Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to extend accident insurance coverage to passengers who book tickets at physical counters, effective October 27.. Currently, travel accident insurance of up to ₹10 lakh is available at a nominal premium only to passengers booking online through IRCTC — offline buyers had no equivalent option.. The move aims to ensure equal protection for all rail passengers regardless of how they purchase their ticket, closing a long-standing gap for millions of offline travellers..

What you should do: Check at your nearest railway counter from October 27 whether insurance opt-in is available at the point of ticket purchase — do not skip it for a sub-₹1 premium.. If you book via IRCTC online, ensure you tick the travel insurance option during checkout — it costs around ₹0.45 and provides up to ₹10 lakh accident cover.. Nominate a family member in your travel insurance details — without a valid nominee, claim settlement can be delayed or disputed in the event of an accident..

Existing IRCTC travel insurance covers death AND permanent total disability up to ₹10 lakh, plus partial disability up to ₹7.5 lakh — most passengers assume it only covers death.

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