Indian Railways ₹10 Lakh Accident Insurance for Counter Tickets: Just 45 Paise From October 27
Indian Railways has extended its low-cost travel insurance facility to eligible passengers booking reserved train tickets at railway reservation counters. From October 27, 2026, passengers can opt for accident insurance with coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for a premium of just 45 paise per passenger.
The move brings passengers who purchase tickets at railway stations under the same optional travel-insurance framework previously available to eligible online ticket bookings through IRCTC. The rollout follows a Supreme Court direction aimed at extending insurance access to people who depend on offline railway reservations.
Passengers should note that the insurance is subject to the applicable policy terms and eligibility conditions. At reservation counters, passengers opting for the facility must make the ticket and insurance payment digitally.
Indian Railways Travel Insurance: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New facility | Travel insurance for eligible counter-booked reserved tickets |
| Effective date | October 27, 2026 |
| Premium | ₹0.45 per passenger, including taxes |
| Maximum cover | Up to ₹10 lakh for specified covered events |
| Booking channel | Railway Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters |
| Payment method | Digital payment required when opting for insurance |
| Mobile number | Mandatory for policy communication |
| Scheme | Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS), subject to applicable terms |
The Railway Board has directed railway zones to implement the facility at reservation counters.
How Much Insurance Coverage Can Train Passengers Get?
The scheme provides different benefits depending on the nature of the covered loss or injury.
| Type of covered event | Reported insurance benefit |
|---|---|
| Death in a covered railway accident or untoward incident | Up to ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent total disability | Up to ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | Up to ₹7.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation expenses for injuries | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| Transportation of mortal remains | Up to ₹10,000 |
These benefits are subject to the insurance policy's terms, conditions, exclusions and claim requirements. The maximum amount is not payable in every case; the benefit depends on the covered event and the applicable policy provisions.
Why Has Indian Railways Extended Insurance to Counter Tickets?
Until this expansion, eligible passengers booking through IRCTC could opt for travel insurance online, while passengers purchasing reserved tickets directly at railway reservation counters did not have the same booking option.
The Supreme Court addressed this difference in its October 6, 2026, proceedings concerning railway passenger safety. It directed the Railway Board to extend insurance coverage to tickets sold over the counter from October 27, on terms equivalent to those applicable to online bookings.
Who Is Eligible for ₹10 Lakh Railway Accident Insurance?
The insurance facility applies to eligible reserved-ticket passengers, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Passengers should keep the following points in mind:
Eligible reserved tickets: Confirmed, RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and partially confirmed tickets can qualify under the applicable rules.
Indian citizens: The existing scheme's eligibility conditions apply.
Unreserved tickets: Ordinary unreserved or general tickets are not covered under this optional reserved-ticket insurance facility.
Children: Children below five years travelling without a separately reserved seat or berth are excluded under the reported scheme conditions. Other age-related cases should be checked against the policy rules.
Multiple passengers on one PNR: Passengers should ensure the insurance choice and required details are correctly recorded for the booking.
Do not assume that every ticket or every passenger is automatically covered. Confirm eligibility and policy issuance when booking.
How to Get Railway Accident Insurance at a Reservation Counter
If you are purchasing a reserved train ticket at a railway station, follow these steps:
Ask for the insurance option: Tell the reservation clerk that you wish to opt for the travel-insurance facility.
Provide your mobile number: Ensure the number and passenger details are recorded correctly.
Pay digitally: Pay the ticket fare and the applicable insurance premium through an accepted digital payment method. Cash payment is not permitted for passengers opting for this facility.
Verify your choice: Before completing the booking, check that the insurance option has been recorded.
Check the policy message: Policy details are expected to be communicated to the registered mobile number. Keep the message and policy information for future reference.
The reported premium is 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes. The Railway Board's instructions require digital collection of the premium along with the ticket fare when the passenger opts for insurance.
Is Railway Accident Insurance Mandatory or Optional?
This is an important distinction.
The Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to counter tickets on the same basis as online bookings. However, the existing Optional Travel Insurance Scheme requires an eligible passenger to choose the insurance facility.
Passengers should therefore ask for the insurance option and confirm that it has been recorded, rather than assume that paying for a ticket automatically guarantees an individual insurance policy.
The insurance benefit is separate from other compensation that may be available under applicable railway rules or law. The relevant policy and legal provisions determine how different claims are handled.
What Happens If a Passenger Is Injured in a Railway Accident?
If an insured passenger experiences a covered railway accident or untoward incident, the passenger or eligible claimant should follow the insurer's claim procedure.
Generally, claimants should preserve relevant documents, including:
The train ticket and PNR details.
The insurance policy or policy communication.
Medical records, hospital bills and disability certificates, where applicable.
Death-related documents and nominee or legal-heir documentation, where relevant.
Any incident report or other documents requested by the insurer.
The exact documents, deadlines and settlement process depend on the policy and the circumstances of the claim. Passengers and families should contact the insurer identified in the policy for authoritative claim instructions.
What Passengers Should Remember Before Booking
The expansion makes the insurance option available to eligible reserved-ticket passengers who book at railway counters. However, a few practical details matter:
The premium is 45 paise per passenger, not ₹45.
The maximum benefit is up to ₹10 lakh, not a guaranteed payment for every accident.
The facility is subject to eligibility rules and policy conditions.
Digital payment is required if the passenger opts for the insurance at a reservation counter.
A valid mobile number is needed for policy communication.
Passengers should verify that the insurance choice has been recorded and that the policy has been issued.
For the latest implementation details, passengers should check with the reservation counter and review the policy communication received after booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does ₹10 lakh railway travel insurance become available for counter tickets?
The facility is scheduled to take effect on October 27, 2026, extending the optional insurance scheme to eligible reserved tickets booked at railway reservation counters.
2. What is the premium for railway accident insurance?
The reported premium is 45 paise per passenger, including taxes, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
3. Does every passenger automatically receive ₹10 lakh?
No. ₹10 lakh is the maximum benefit for specified covered events, including death or permanent total disability. Eligibility, policy conditions and claim requirements apply.
4. Can I get this insurance when buying a ticket at a railway station?
Eligible passengers booking reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System counters can opt for the facility. Ask the reservation clerk to record your choice.
5. Can I pay cash for the ticket and insurance premium?
Passengers opting for the insurance at a reservation counter must use an accepted digital payment method to pay the ticket fare and premium.
6. Are unreserved or general tickets covered?
The reported optional scheme applies to eligible reserved tickets. Ordinary unreserved or general tickets are not covered under this facility.
7. What is the benefit for permanent partial disability?
The reported maximum benefit for permanent partial disability is up to ₹7.5 lakh, subject to the policy's terms and the assessment of the claim.
8. How will I receive my insurance policy details?
The registered mobile number is mandatory, and policy details are expected to be communicated to that number. Keep the policy communication for reference.
9. Is this insurance the same as railway accident compensation?
No. This is an insurance facility governed by its policy terms. Other compensation may be governed by separate railway rules and legal provisions.
Conclusion
Indian Railways' extension of the 45-paise travel-insurance option to eligible counter-booked reserved tickets is a significant change for passengers who prefer booking at railway stations. From October 27, 2026, the facility offers access to insurance benefits of up to ₹10 lakh for specified covered losses, subject to the scheme's rules.
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