Indian Railways will extend its optional travel insurance scheme to passengers booking reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System counters from October 27, giving offline travellers the option to obtain coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for a premium of 45 paise per passenger.
The expansion was announced by Central Railway on October 26. The facility was previously available to passengers booking reserved e-tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It will now also be offered at PRS counters across the railway network.
The scheme will remain voluntary. Passengers choosing the cover must provide their mobile number and pay the applicable premium through digital payment modes. Those who do not want the insurance can decline it while booking their reserved tickets.
According to details reported by Mid-Day, the cover provides up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death caused by a railway accident or untoward incident. It also provides up to Rs 10 lakh for permanent total disability and up to Rs 75 lakh for permanent partial disability, under the existing terms and conditions of the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme.
The policy also includes hospitalisation expenses of up to Rs 2 lakh for injuries and Rs 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. The coverage and claims process will be governed by the terms applicable to the existing insurance facility for passengers booking tickets online through IRCTC.
Passengers opting for the insurance at a PRS counter will receive their policy details on their registered mobile number. Reservation staff will assist them in making their choice, collecting the premium digitally and recording the required passenger details.
The inclusion of PRS bookings brings the optional cover to passengers who continue to purchase reserved tickets at railway counters rather than through online platforms. The operational requirement for a mobile number and digital payment means that passengers will need access to both while completing the booking process.
Central Railway has appealed to passengers booking reserved tickets at PRS counters to consider the facility as additional financial protection during their journeys. The expanded option takes effect from October 27 and will operate under the existing terms and conditions of the railway’s Optional Travel Insurance Scheme.
