Full Breakdown
Indian Railways Extends Optional Travel Insurance to Counter-Ticket Buyers
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Extension of the Insurance Facility
The Railway Board has ordered that, beginning October 27, passengers purchasing reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters will be offered the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS). The board’s directive requires all zonal railways to make the scheme available at offline counters and to ensure reservation staff inform travelers of the option before completing a booking.
Supreme Court Directive that Prompted the Change
The extension follows the Supreme Court’s October 6 order in the Union of India v. Radha Yadav case, which directed Indian Railways to broaden insurance coverage beyond online ticket purchases. The board’s implementation plan cites compliance with that judicial mandate.
Core Provisions of the Extended Scheme
According to the Railway Board, the insurance remains optional and will be priced at 45 paise per passenger. Coverage includes:
- Up to Rs 10 lakh for death or permanent total disability caused by a railway accident or other untoward incident;
- Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability;
- Up to Rs 2 lakh toward hospitalisation expenses; and
- Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
The same terms and conditions that apply to IRCTC e-ticket insurance will govern counter-ticket policies.
Implementation and Oversight
The board mandates that premium payments be collected digitally together with the ticket fare. Passengers must provide a mobile number and other required particulars, which will be transmitted to the insurer for policy issuance. Divisional railway managers, commercial officers, and zonal railways are tasked with monitoring rollout and submitting compliance reports confirming operational readiness.
Implications for Travelers
By extending OTIS to offline ticket sales, Indian Railways aims to provide uniform risk protection for all reserved-ticket passengers, regardless of purchase channel. The digital-only premium collection and mandatory mobile-number capture are intended to streamline policy issuance and ensure passengers receive policy details via SMS.