Indian Railways is extending its optional travel insurance facility to eligible passengers who book reserved tickets at railway counters, allowing them to access cover of up to Rs 10 lakh for a premium of 45 paise per passenger, according to a report by NDTV Business.
The facility was previously associated with online railway ticket bookings. Its extension to counter bookings brings the option to passengers who continue to purchase reserved tickets directly at railway stations rather than through digital platforms.
The insurance remains optional and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable policy. The maximum cover of Rs 10 lakh does not represent a guaranteed payout for every incident. The amount payable will depend on the nature of the incident, the coverage available and the policy conditions.
“Eligible passengers booking reserved tickets at railway counters can access the optional insurance facility. The premium is 45 paise per passenger, and the maximum coverage is Rs 10 lakh, subject to the applicable policy conditions,” Suraj Pandey, Managing Director of ACME India Industries Limited, was quoted as saying by NDTV Business.
Passengers opting for the facility have been advised to check the insurance option and review the policy details at the time of booking. The terms specify the incidents covered, the benefits available and the procedure for making a claim.
The coverage is intended to provide financial assistance in the event of specified railway accidents or other incidents covered under the policy. The facility therefore functions as a financial safeguard after an eligible event; it does not prevent accidents or remove the operational risks associated with train travel.
The expansion also places attention on the distinction between financial protection and preventive railway safety. Passenger safety depends on infrastructure, coach design, material quality, inspections and maintenance, in addition to insurance arrangements.
Railway coaches face continual use, passenger movement and wear on interior components. Fire-safe materials that meet applicable railway standards, durable fittings and regular inspections are among the measures that can reduce certain risks. Timely repairs are also required to identify and replace damaged components before they become safety concerns.
The report also highlights the need to maintain existing Integral Coach Factory and Linke Hofmann Busch coaches as Indian Railways modernises its fleet. New coach introductions do not remove the requirement for material testing, engineering checks, periodic inspections and planned refurbishment of older rolling stock.
For passengers, the immediate change is the wider availability of a low-cost insurance option during eligible counter bookings. The coverage, however, remains governed by the policy’s exclusions, conditions and claims process. Passengers will need to review those details before choosing the facility at the railway booking counter.
