Railway Passengers May Get Rs 10 Lakh Insurance on Counter Tickets Through Digital Payments

In a major development for railway passengers ahead of festivals such as Diwali and Chhath Puja, passengers purchasing reserved train tickets at railway reservation counters may soon be able to avail themselves of accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh. The proposed facility aims to extend insurance benefits beyond passengers booking tickets online.

According to reports, passengers may be able to obtain the insurance cover by paying a nominal premium of around 35 to 45 paise. However, the facility is expected to be subject to specific conditions, including the mode of payment used while purchasing tickets.

Digital Payment Mandatory for Insurance

Under the proposed arrangement, passengers booking reserved tickets at railway counters will need to make payments digitally to qualify for the insurance facility. Payments can reportedly be made through UPI, debit cards, credit cards or QR codes.

Passengers paying in cash will not be eligible for the proposed benefit, according to the reports.

The Railways is also planning to introduce a dedicated insurance option on reservation forms. Passengers interested in obtaining the insurance cover will have to select the relevant option while filling out the form.

Providing an active mobile number may also be necessary to avail themselves of the facility.

When Will Passengers Receive Insurance Benefits?

Under the reported insurance provisions, the nominee or family of a passenger who dies in a train accident may receive compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Passengers suffering permanent disabilities due to train accidents may also be eligible for compensation as prescribed under the insurance policy.

In addition, provisions may cover serious injuries and medical expenses, with compensation amounts determined according to the applicable policy terms.

What Passengers Should Know

The proposed initiative could provide additional financial protection to railway passengers, particularly during the busy festive travel season.

However, passengers should check the official announcement from Indian Railways regarding the implementation date, eligibility criteria, premium amount and coverage conditions before relying on the facility.

The exact terms of the insurance scheme and its availability at reservation counters should be confirmed through official railway channels.