Kumar Bahukhandi
Passengers at a railway reservation counter in this representational photograph accompanying Indian Railways’ extension of optional travel insurance to reserved counter bookings from Tuesday, October 27, 2026.Representational Image -Internet
Passengers purchasing reserved tickets can opt for cover of up to ₹10 lakh from October 27; digital payment and a mobile number are required.
Key Highlights
- Optional travel insurance extended to Passenger Reservation System counters from Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Premium of 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes.
- Cover includes specified benefits for death, disability and injury-related hospitalisation.
- Passengers choosing insurance must pay the fare and premium digitally.
New Delhi: Indian Railways will extend its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme to passengers purchasing reserved tickets at railway reservation counters from Tuesday, October 27, 2026, widening access to a facility previously available through IRCTC’s online booking system. Eligible passengers can choose insurance offering cover of up to ₹10 lakh for a premium of 45 paise per person, subject to policy conditions.
Counter Bookings Brought Under the Scheme
The Railway Board has directed zonal railways to make the necessary arrangements at Passenger Reservation System—PRS—counters following Supreme Court directions.
Reservation staff have been asked to explain the facility and record passengers’ choices. Purchasing insurance remains optional, and the existing terms governing IRCTC’s Optional Travel Insurance Scheme will apply to policies issued against counter-booked tickets.
Digital Payment Required
Passengers opting for insurance must pay the applicable premium along with the ticket fare through digital means. The Railway Board has specified that the insurance premium cannot be collected in cash.
A mobile number must also be recorded accurately, along with the required passenger particulars, to enable the insurer to issue the policy and communicate its details.
What the Insurance Covers
The scheme provides benefits for specified railway accidents or untoward incidents, subject to its terms:
| Benefit | Maximum cover |
|---|---|
| Death or permanent total disability | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | ₹7.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation expenses for covered injuries | ₹2 lakh |
| Transportation of mortal remains | ₹10,000 |
These are category-specific policy benefits rather than a uniform payout for every incident.
Eligibility and Policy Details
Under IRCTC’s published conditions, the scheme applies to Indian citizens with confirmed, RAC or partially confirmed tickets at the time of booking. When insurance is selected, it applies to all passengers booked under the same PNR.
Passengers should review the policy information received from the insurer and complete nomination details through the prescribed process.
The extension concerns reserved counter tickets; it does not bring ordinary unreserved or general-class tickets under this optional policy. Children below five travelling without a reserved seat or berth are also excluded under the existing conditions.
