In a significant move aimed at strengthening passenger protection, the Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to tickets purchased at railway reservation counters from October 27, 2026. The directive will bring passengers purchasing tickets offline under the same insurance framework currently available to those booking tickets online.
The court has warned that the Railway Board will be held directly responsible if the order is not implemented within the stipulated deadline.
A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan issued the direction while hearing a petition concerning railway safety following the tragic Balasore train accident in Odisha in June 2023. The matter also raised concerns over the implementation of safety measures across the railway network.
According to reports, the court noted that passengers booking tickets online can currently opt for travel insurance by paying a nominal additional premium, while passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters do not have access to the same facility.
The bench observed that sufficient time had already been given to the authorities to develop a mechanism for extending insurance coverage to offline ticket buyers. However, the lack of progress prompted the court to issue a mandatory direction.
When Will the Insurance Facility Begin?
Under the Supreme Court’s directive, Indian Railways must ensure that all tickets sold over the counter at railway stations are covered by insurance from October 27.
The move is intended to ensure equal access to travel insurance, particularly for passengers who rely on physical reservation counters instead of digital booking platforms.
However, passengers will need to wait for further official clarification regarding the applicable insurance premium, coverage amount, eligibility conditions and claims procedure for counter-purchased tickets.
What Benefits Will Passengers Receive?
Travel insurance can provide financial protection in the event of specified railway accidents, including death or injuries, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions.
By extending the facility to offline bookings, the directive seeks to remove the disparity between online and counter-based ticket purchases.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on November 16, 2026, when further developments concerning railway safety and compliance with its directions are expected to be reviewed.
Passengers are advised to follow official Indian Railways announcements for details of the insurance scheme before making assumptions about premiums, coverage limits or claim procedures.
The order marks an important step towards ensuring that railway passengers have more equal access to financial protection during their journeys.