There is big news for train travellers. From 27 October 2026, reserved tickets bought at railway reservation counters also carry travel insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for just 45 paise. Until now, this facility was available only to passengers booking e-tickets through IRCTC. Indian Railways extended it to counter tickets after a Supreme Court order of 6 October 2026.
How much cover you get
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Death or permanent total disability | Up to Rs 10 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | Up to Rs 7.5 lakh |
| Hospital expenses | Up to Rs 2 lakh |
| Transportation of mortal remains | Rs 10,000 |
The cover applies after a train accident or an untoward incident — such as a collision, derailment, a fall from a train, a violent attack or arson. Note this carefully: Rs 10 lakh is the maximum cover, not an amount every passenger automatically receives. What is actually paid depends on the incident and the policy conditions.
Cash won’t work — the biggest catch
The insurance is optional — taking it is your choice. But here is the catch: the 45 paise cannot be paid in cash. Coins of 45 paise are no longer legal tender, so the Railway Board, in a letter dated 24 October to all zonal railways, directed that passengers who opt for insurance must pay the entire ticket fare digitally — by UPI or card. Not just the premium, the whole fare. If you carry only cash, you can still book your ticket — you just will not get the cover.
Which tickets are covered
The facility applies to reserved tickets — Confirmed, RAC and partly-confirmed tickets, in all classes. It is available only to Indian citizens. Unreserved (UTS) tickets, general tickets and suburban trains are not covered. Children below five years of age travelling without a reserved seat or berth are also excluded.
What existed before
Passengers booking online through IRCTC already had this insurance — the premium has been 45 paise per passenger since 17 February 2024. Crores of passengers buying tickets at counters were left out. Hearing a railway safety case linked to the June 2023 Odisha train accident, the Supreme Court directed on 6 October 2026 that the cover be extended to counter tickets from 27 October. The Railway Board then issued instructions to all zones.
Who provides the insurance
Three general insurance companies are part of the IRCTC scheme — Liberty General Insurance, Royal Sundaram General Insurance and United India Insurance. After opting in while booking, the policy number and details can be viewed in the ‘Ticket Booked History’ section on the IRCTC website.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: From when is insurance available on counter tickets?
A: From 27 October 2026 — on reserved tickets, for 45 paise.
Q2: Can the 45 paise be paid in cash?
A: No. If you opt for insurance, the full fare must be paid digitally by UPI or card.
Q3: Who gets Rs 10 lakh?
A: The maximum cover of Rs 10 lakh applies on death or permanent total disability in a rail accident. Partial disability gets up to Rs 7.5 lakh and hospital expenses up to Rs 2 lakh.
Q4: Which tickets are not covered?
A: Unreserved/general tickets, suburban trains, and children below five years of age without a reserved seat.
Read more
- RITES Senior Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026: 31 Posts, Salary up to Rs 39,137 — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/rites-senior-technical-assistant-recruitment-2026-31-posts-en/
- Central Government Free Coaching Scheme: Free UPSC-JEE-NEET Coaching for SC-OBC Students — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-free-coaching-sc-obc-haryana/
Useful links
- IRCTC: https://www.irctc.co.in/
- Indian Railways: https://indianrailways.gov.in/
