Passengers opting for travel insurance while purchasing rail tickets over the counter will have to pay the entire amount including insurance premium through digital mode from October 27. The Railway Board on Monday said that the premium cannot be taken in cash, so it has to be paid through digital means. Officials said that since 5, 10, 20 and 25 paisa coins are no longer legal tender, payment of ticket fare and insurance premium will have to be done online only.

Payment of insurance premium will be done digitally

In a letter addressed to all zonal railways, the Railway Board said that if one opts for travel insurance, the applicable premium will be charged through digital medium along with the ticket fare. The staff will ensure that where the individual is opting for insurance, the payment is made through digital means. As passengers who purchase tickets online already have this optional insurance facility, the Railway Board has now extended it to ticket counters following the Supreme Court order of October 6.

CRIS said changes are taking place in the system

Center for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) officials said necessary changes are being made in the software to extend this facility to counter ticket buyers. A CRIS official said that we have made the necessary changes in the software and testing is currently underway. It will be implemented from tomorrow. He said that on ticket cancellation, 9 paise will be deducted from the premium amount of 45 paisa along with other cancellation charges.

This system will start from October 27

The Railway Board, in its letter dated October 24, 2026, said that the PRS counters under the respective Zonal Railways will be fully prepared to provide insurance facility from October 27 as per the functionality provided in the reservation system. The letter further stated that the system development and integration work required to implement the scheme is being done by CRIS in coordination with IRCTC. The Zonal Railway should ensure necessary preparation at the PRS counter as per the system and procedures laid down for the purpose.