Indian Railways has expanded its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers booking reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System counters, with the facility available across the railway network from 27 October. The premium will be 45 paise per passenger, including applicable taxes, and passengers will need to provide a mobile number and pay the premium digitally along with the ticket fare when choosing the insurance option.
The scheme will apply to Indian citizens whose tickets are confirmed, on the reservation against cancellation list, or partially confirmed at the time of booking. Under the stated terms, a passenger covered by the policy will receive insurance of up to ₹10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability caused by a covered railway accident or untoward incident.
The policy also provides cover of up to ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability. Hospitalisation and treatment expenses resulting from an injury will be covered up to ₹2 lakh. The policy terms also provide up to ₹10,000 for transportation of mortal remains, subject to the applicable conditions.
Coverage will extend to all passengers booked under a single PNR if the insurance option is selected. Children below five years who are booked without a berth or seat will not be covered. Children between five and 11 years will be eligible for coverage whether they are booked with or without a berth, according to the details reported by Divya Bhaskar.
To support the expanded facility, Indian Railways has revised its reservation request form. The updated form will be made available at all PRS centres under Western Railway, where passengers will be required to indicate their insurance choice while booking. Railway authorities will also use counter announcements to inform passengers about the facility, digital payment requirement and the need to provide a mobile number.
After the ticket is booked, policy details will be sent to the passenger’s registered mobile number. Passengers will have to use the link received in the message to visit the insurer’s website and enter nomination details. In the event of death, the compensation will be paid to the declared nominee. If no nominee is recorded, payment will be made on the basis of a legal-heir certificate or succession certificate, subject to the policy conditions.
The insurer concerned will be responsible for issuing the policy and settling claims. The expansion brings the insurance option to passengers who book reserved tickets directly at railway reservation counters, rather than limiting access to a particular booking channel. The facility is scheduled to begin across the Indian Railways network on 27 October.
