Indian Railways: ₹10 Lakh Insurance Now at PRS Counters!
Passengers booking offline tickets can now opt for ₹10 lakh travel insurance for just 45 paise, following a Supreme Court directive.
In a major move to enhance passenger safety and ensure equality, Indian Railways has officially extended its optional travel insurance facility to offline booking counters. Effective from October 27, 2026, passengers purchasing reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can now opt for comprehensive insurance coverage, bridging the gap between online and offline travelers.
A Supreme Court Mandate for Passenger Equality
This expansion follows a significant directive from the Supreme Court of India. The court emphasized that safety benefits should not discriminate against passengers based on whether they book their tickets online via the IRCTC platform or offline at station counters. The bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan, pushed for this implementation to ensure that all travelers enjoy equal rights and protection.
How to Avail ₹10 Lakh Coverage for Just 45 Paise
The Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) offers massive protection for a negligible cost. Here is how passengers can utilize this facility:
- Premium Cost: Passengers can secure coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for a premium of just 45 paise.
- Registration: To avail of this benefit, passengers must provide a valid mobile number at the reservation counter during the booking process.
- Payment Method: It is crucial to note that the insurance premium must be paid digitally alongside the ticket fare. The railway system will not accept cash payments specifically for the insurance component.
- Policy Delivery: Once the transaction is complete, all details regarding the insurance policy will be sent directly to the passenger's registered mobile number via SMS.
Detailed Coverage Breakdown
The insurance policy provides a robust safety net for various unfortunate circumstances during rail travel, including the loss of limbs, sight, or hearing:
- ₹10 Lakh: Coverage in the event of death or permanent total disability resulting from a rail accident.
- ₹7.5 Lakh: Coverage for permanent partial disability.
- ₹2 Lakh: Reimbursement for hospitalization expenses related to injuries.
- ₹10,000: Assistance for the transportation of mortal remains.
Eligibility and Important Rules
While the scheme is designed to be inclusive, there are specific eligibility criteria to keep in mind:
- Ticket Types: The facility is available for both Confirmed and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets.
- Age Restriction: Children under the age of five are not eligible for this insurance coverage.
- Form Updates: To facilitate this rollout, the Railway Board has already provided updated reservation and cancellation forms at all PRS centers nationwide.
The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways to raise awareness regarding the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) and ensure its seamless integration at ticket counters across the country.