Signal Desk · Economy

Indian Railways extends optional travel insurance for counter tickets

2026-10-26 · 1 source · BusinessLine Economy

In short

Indian Railways has extended optional travel insurance to people buying tickets at counters. Officials said the fare and the insurance premium must be paid online because 5, 10, 20 and 25-paise coins are no longer legal tender.

This matters for passengers who buy tickets at stations and want the insurance option. The report does not say when the change starts or how many travelers will use it.

What the reporting says

Indian Railways has extended optional travel insurance to counter-ticket buyers and made digital payment mandatory, according to a publisher-supplied economy summary. Officials said ticket fare and the insurance premium must be paid online because 5, 10, 20 and 25-paise coins are no longer legal tender. The reporting does not say when the change takes effect or how many passengers will be affected.

Why it matters

Indian Railways is extending optional travel insurance to counter-ticket buyers and requiring digital payment for the fare and premium, according to the summary. Officials linked the payment change to the fact that 5, 10, 20 and 25-paise coins are no longer legal tender. The reporting does not state the rollout date, adoption level, or operational impact for passengers and ticketing staff.

Touches: Government, Economy

Sources