Current Context: Reports published on 14 October 2026 stated that the Supreme Court had directed Indian Railways to extend insurance coverage to tickets purchased at railway station counters from 27 October 2026, bringing offline bookings on a par with online tickets. The Court held the Railway Board responsible for implementing the direction.
Key Points
- Judicial bench: Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued the direction.
- Purpose: Address the difference in insurance access between passengers booking online and those purchasing counter tickets.
- Existing premium: IRCTC’s optional e-ticket insurance costs 45 paise per passenger, inclusive of taxes, effective since 17 February 2024.
- Claim settlement: The insurance company, rather than IRCTC, is responsible for issuing the policy and settling claims.
Coverage under the existing IRCTC policy:
| Benefit | Coverage limit |
|---|---|
| Death | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent total disability | ₹10 lakh |
| Permanent partial disability | Up to ₹7.5 lakh |
| Hospitalisation expenses for injury | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| Transportation of mortal remains | Up to ₹10,000 |
Coverage applies to specified rail accidents and untoward incidents, subject to policy conditions.
Important clarification: The 45-paise premium and benefits above describe the existing online scheme. The Court’s direction requires extension to counter tickets; detailed counter-booking arrangements, including premium collection and documentation, require implementation clarification from the Railways.
Question:
Q1. Under IRCTC’s existing Optional Travel Insurance Scheme, what is the sum insured for death arising from a covered rail accident or untoward incident?a) ₹2 lakh
b) ₹5 lakh
c) ₹7.5 lakh
d) ₹10 lakh
Answer: d) The existing IRCTC travel-insurance policy provides ₹10 lakh for death resulting from a covered rail accident or untoward incident, subject to its terms. Permanent total disability also carries ₹10 lakh coverage, while hospitalisation expenses for injury are covered separately up to ₹2 lakh.
