Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the Railway Board has announced the extension of its optional travel insurance facility to passengers booking reserved train tickets through offline channels, including railway reservation counters. Previously, this insurance coverage was restricted solely to tickets booked via the IRCTC online portal. The board has instructed all railway zones to ensure that this facility is fully operational at counters by October 27.
The move follows an order issued by the apex court on October 6, which emphasized the need to provide insurance coverage to passengers from the lowest strata of society. Many of these individuals, particularly those from remote or rural areas, continue to rely on physical reservation counters rather than online platforms for their travel needs. Although approximately 87 percent of total railway tickets in India are currently purchased online, the court noted that authorities must ensure protection mechanisms are accessible to all demographics.
Under the new implementation plan, the premium for counter-booked tickets is set at 45 paise, mirroring the cost for e-tickets. The Railway Board has specified that the payment of this premium must be conducted through digital means only. Reservation staff have been tasked with ensuring that all necessary passenger details, including mandatory mobile numbers, are captured accurately during the booking process. This data is essential for transmitting policy information directly to the insurance provider, ensuring the passenger receives confirmation via their registered mobile number.
According to the existing guidelines set by the IRCTC, the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) is restricted to Indian citizens. The coverage applies specifically to confirmed, partly confirmed, and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets at the time of booking. The terms and conditions previously applicable to online e-ticket insurance policies will now extend to these counter-issued tickets as well.
The insurance policy provides a financial safety net for passengers in the event of train accidents or other untoward incidents that result in injury or death. The coverage encompasses hospitalisation expenses, as well as compensation for permanent total disability, partial disability, or death. Furthermore, it covers the costs associated with the transportation of mortal remains. The sum insured under the scheme ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the severity of the incident.
Certain exclusions remain in place under the updated scheme. For instance, children under the age of 5 who travel without a berth or seat are not covered by the insurance. However, children between the ages of 5 and 11 years are eligible for coverage, regardless of whether they book with or without a berth. It is also important to note that the policy, while expanded to cover all reserved classes, does not currently extend to second-class or general-class passengers, who represent the majority of rail commuters in the country.
Railway authorities have been directed to ensure that counter staff are well-trained and capable of informing passengers about this new implementation. By mandating that staff clearly communicate the availability of the insurance at the time of purchase, the board aims to increase awareness and uptake of the facility among those who frequent physical booking offices. The inclusion of counter-booked tickets represents a significant shift toward standardizing safety protections across all segments of the railway booking network.
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