Indian Railways New Rule From October 27: What Counter Ticket Passengers Need to Know
The Indian Railways counter ticket insurance rule is set to bring an important change for passengers who purchase train tickets directly from railway reservation counters. From October 27, 2026, the Railways is required to extend travel insurance to counter-booked tickets following a Supreme Court directive. Until now, eligible passengers booking tickets online through IRCTC could opt for this facility, while those buying tickets offline did not have the same option. The move aims to extend financial protection to more train travellers, although the detailed process for counter bookings is yet to be announced.
The direction was issued by a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan. The court also made the Railway Board directly responsible for ensuring that the order is implemented within the specified deadline.
Under the existing arrangement, eligible passengers booking e-tickets through IRCTC can choose optional travel insurance during the booking process. The new direction seeks to extend this facility to passengers who prefer buying tickets in person at railway stations.
For travellers who do not regularly use online booking platforms, the change could offer an additional layer of financial protection during train journeys.
The existing online insurance policy provides the following benefits:
These amounts relate to the existing online insurance scheme. The Railways has yet to clarify whether the same premium, coverage limits and policy conditions will apply to counter-issued tickets under the new arrangement.
Passengers should also remember that insurance benefits are subject to the applicable policy terms, conditions and claim requirements.
The current rules also specify the following provisions for children:
Passengers should check the latest official instructions before assuming that the online policy conditions automatically apply to counter bookings.
Once the insurance is issued, the insurer sends the policy details to the passenger through SMS and email. Passengers can also check the policy number through their IRCTC booking history.
The process may be different for counter-issued tickets. Details about how passengers will opt for insurance, receive policy documents and access their coverage have not yet been specified in the information available.
Travellers purchasing tickets offline should therefore wait for the official instructions on the application process, payment of any premium and access to insurance documents.
Once the arrangement is implemented, passengers should check the following details before travelling:
Not every traveller books tickets through IRCTC. Many people continue to visit reservation counters because of personal preference, limited access to digital services or the need for assistance while booking.
Bringing counter bookings into the insurance framework could help reduce this difference between online and offline passengers. It may also make it easier for more travellers to access financial protection against specified incidents during their journeys.
However, the actual benefits for counter-ticket holders will depend on the final implementation process, including the premium, eligibility requirements and claim procedures.
While the existing IRCTC scheme offers coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified events, the exact terms applicable to counter-issued tickets are yet to be clarified. Passengers should follow official Railway announcements for details about eligibility, premiums, documentation and claims before relying on the new facility.
Indian Railways New Rule From October 27: What Is Changing?
The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters, bringing offline bookings within the insurance framework available to eligible online passengers.The direction was issued by a bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan. The court also made the Railway Board directly responsible for ensuring that the order is implemented within the specified deadline.
Under the existing arrangement, eligible passengers booking e-tickets through IRCTC can choose optional travel insurance during the booking process. The new direction seeks to extend this facility to passengers who prefer buying tickets in person at railway stations.
For travellers who do not regularly use online booking platforms, the change could offer an additional layer of financial protection during train journeys.
Railway Travel Insurance: What Benefits Are Available?
Under the existing IRCTC travel insurance scheme, eligible passengers can opt for coverage against specified risks associated with train travel. The premium has been ₹0.45 per passenger, inclusive of taxes, since February 17, 2024.The existing online insurance policy provides the following benefits:
| Type of Coverage | Insurance Amount |
|---|---|
| Death | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent Total Disability | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent Partial Disability | ₹7.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation Expenses for Injuries | ₹2 lakh |
| Transportation of Remains | ₹10,000 |
These amounts relate to the existing online insurance scheme. The Railways has yet to clarify whether the same premium, coverage limits and policy conditions will apply to counter-issued tickets under the new arrangement.
Passengers should also remember that insurance benefits are subject to the applicable policy terms, conditions and claim requirements.
Who Can Get Railway Travel Insurance?
Under the existing IRCTC scheme, eligible Indian citizens travelling on confirmed, Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or partially confirmed e-tickets can opt for travel insurance, subject to the policy's conditions.The current rules also specify the following provisions for children:
- Children below five years travelling without a separate berth or seat are excluded from the existing coverage.
- Children aged five to 11 may be covered, subject to the applicable policy conditions.
Passengers should check the latest official instructions before assuming that the online policy conditions automatically apply to counter bookings.
How Does IRCTC Travel Insurance Work Currently?
Passengers booking eligible train tickets through IRCTC can select the optional travel insurance facility during the online booking process.Once the insurance is issued, the insurer sends the policy details to the passenger through SMS and email. Passengers can also check the policy number through their IRCTC booking history.
The process may be different for counter-issued tickets. Details about how passengers will opt for insurance, receive policy documents and access their coverage have not yet been specified in the information available.
Travellers purchasing tickets offline should therefore wait for the official instructions on the application process, payment of any premium and access to insurance documents.
What Should Passengers Buying Counter Tickets Do?
The new rule is particularly relevant for passengers who regularly purchase tickets at railway stations rather than through online platforms.Once the arrangement is implemented, passengers should check the following details before travelling:
- Insurance availability: Confirm whether the counter-issued ticket is eligible for coverage.
- Premium amount: Check whether a separate payment is required and how much it costs.
- Policy documents: Find out how the insurance details will be issued and accessed.
- Coverage conditions: Review the benefits, exclusions and circumstances covered by the policy.
- Claim procedure: Understand how to file a claim and which documents may be required.
Why Is the New Railway Insurance Rule Important?
The extension of travel insurance to counter-issued tickets could make financial protection more accessible to passengers who depend on offline railway services.Not every traveller books tickets through IRCTC. Many people continue to visit reservation counters because of personal preference, limited access to digital services or the need for assistance while booking.
Bringing counter bookings into the insurance framework could help reduce this difference between online and offline passengers. It may also make it easier for more travellers to access financial protection against specified incidents during their journeys.
However, the actual benefits for counter-ticket holders will depend on the final implementation process, including the premium, eligibility requirements and claim procedures.
Indian Railways Counter Ticket Insurance Rule: Key Takeaway
The Supreme Court's direction marks an important step towards extending railway travel insurance to passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters. The implementation deadline is October 27, 2026, and the Railway Board has been held responsible for ensuring compliance.While the existing IRCTC scheme offers coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for specified events, the exact terms applicable to counter-issued tickets are yet to be clarified. Passengers should follow official Railway announcements for details about eligibility, premiums, documentation and claims before relying on the new facility.
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