Indian Railways passenger insurance mandate

The Supreme Court of India directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to all passengers purchasing tickets at station counters, effective October 27, 2026. The court issued this mandate to ensure that offline passengers, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the same protections as online e-ticket holders. During the proceedings, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Railways, noting that budgetary provisions for safety had not been fully utilized and that progress on safety measures appeared minimal.

Following the directive, Indian Railways announced that passengers purchasing reserved tickets at reservation counters can opt for coverage by paying a premium of 45 paise per person. To access the facility, travelers must provide a mobile number and pay via digital methods such as UPI, debit/credit cards, or QR codes, as cash payments will not be accepted.

The insurance scheme provides financial protection for specific accidents or untoward incidents. Coverage includes up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses. The facility applies to confirmed and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets but excludes general-class and unreserved passengers.