Railway passengers booking eligible reserved tickets at station counters can now opt for travel insurance costing 45 paise per passenger, with coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh under the applicable policy terms. The facility was previously associated with online ticket bookings, according to a report by NDTV Business.
The extension gives passengers who continue to buy reserved tickets at railway stations access to the same low-cost insurance option. The insurance remains optional and is not automatically included with every ticket booked at a counter.
According to Suraj Pandey, Managing Director of ACME India Industries Limited, eligible passengers can select the facility while booking their reserved tickets. The premium is 45 paise per passenger, while the maximum cover is Rs 10 lakh, subject to the conditions of the policy.
The maximum amount is not a guaranteed payout for every incident. The actual benefit payable will depend on the nature of the incident, the coverage provided and the policy’s terms and conditions. Passengers are therefore advised to check the insurance option and read the applicable policy details before completing their booking.
The policy is intended to provide financial assistance in the event of specified railway accidents or other covered incidents. Passengers and their families would need to follow the insurer’s process for making a claim, with the eligibility and payout determined by the relevant policy provisions.
The availability of insurance at railway counters is significant because a large number of passengers still use station booking facilities rather than online ticketing platforms. Extending the option to eligible counter bookings broadens access to a financial safeguard without changing its optional nature or the conditions attached to the cover.
The insurance, however, does not reduce the physical risks associated with railway travel or prevent accidents. Passenger safety continues to depend on infrastructure, coach design, material quality, inspection systems and maintenance. Coach interiors and fittings face continuous use and wear, making the condition of components an operational concern beyond the availability of financial protection.
Safety measures also apply to existing coaches, including Integral Coach Factory and Linke Hofmann Busch coaches. Material testing, periodic inspections, planned refurbishment and timely replacement of damaged components remain important to maintaining coach reliability throughout a train’s service life.
Passengers booking reserved tickets at railway counters should confirm their eligibility, review the insurance option and understand the covered incidents, benefits and claim procedure before opting for the 45-paise facility. The maximum Rs 10 lakh cover remains subject to the applicable policy conditions.
