The Railway Board has extended its optional travel insurance facility to passengers booking reserved tickets at railway counters, following a Supreme Court order directing that offline passengers be given access to the same protection available to online ticket holders.
The Board has instructed all railway zones to ensure the facility is available at reservation counters by October 27. Staff have also been directed to inform passengers about the scheme and its implementation.
Under existing IRCTC guidelines, the insurance applies only to Indian citizens holding confirmed, partly confirmed or RAC tickets at the time of booking.
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Counter Passengers to Pay 45 Paise Premium
Passengers opting for insurance at railway counters will be charged a premium of 45 paise per ticket, the same amount applicable to e-tickets.
The premium must be paid digitally along with the ticket fare. Reservation staff have been instructed to accurately record the passenger’s mobile number and other required details so that the information can be transmitted to the insurance company.
Passengers who opt for the cover will receive policy details through their registered mobile numbers.
The existing terms and conditions of the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme for e-ticket passengers will also apply to policies issued for tickets purchased at railway counters.
Supreme Court Ordered Expansion on October 6
The Supreme Court had directed the Railway Board on October 6 to extend the insurance facility to passengers purchasing reserved tickets offline.
The court noted that while more than 87% of railway tickets are booked online, many passengers, particularly those from remote areas, continue to depend on reservation counters.
The court observed that sufficient time had been given to authorities to develop a mechanism to extend insurance protection to passengers who rely on counter bookings.
The optional insurance operates in addition to compensation that the Railways is required to provide under existing law in cases involving train accidents and other untoward incidents.
Cover Ranges From ₹2 Lakh to ₹10 Lakh
The insurance scheme covers death, permanent total disability, partial disability, hospitalisation expenses arising from injuries and the transportation of mortal remains following railway accidents or untoward incidents.
The sum insured ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on the severity of the incident.
The scheme will now extend to reserved-class passengers booking tickets both online and at counters.
Second-class and general-class passengers remain outside the existing insurance scheme.
Children below five years of age travelling without a berth or seat are also not covered. Children between five and 11 years of age are eligible for insurance whether they book a berth or travel without one.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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