- Railway Minister announces Optional Travel Insurance Scheme available for online train ticket buyers at just Rs 0.45 premium.
- Insurance can be chosen during e-ticket booking, covering passengers with RAC or confirmed berths.
- Additional changes include new railway station entry rules and updated emergency quota request timing.
In a major step towards enhancing passenger safety, Indian Railways has introduced a new Optional Travel Insurance Scheme for train travelers. The scheme, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, allows passengers booking tickets online to opt for travel insurance coverage at a nominal premium of just ₹0.45.
The move aims to provide affordable insurance protection during train journeys and offers passengers a convenient way to secure their travel directly while booking tickets online. This initiative is expected to benefit millions of daily railway commuters across the country.
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Understanding the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme for Train Passengers
Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) offers insurance coverage only to passengers who book their tickets online with either Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or confirmed berths. At a small premium of just 45 paisa per ticket, you can choose this insurance while purchasing your e-tickets on the official Indian Railways website or mobile app.
This scheme is made to give you extra safety and peace of mind, so you can travel confidently knowing you have some financial protection in case something unfortunate happens during your trip.
How to Choose the Travel Insurance Scheme During Ticket Booking
When you book your train ticket online, you’ll see an option to pick the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you opt for it:
- Go to the official IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Enter your travel details and search for trains.
- Select the train and class, then move to the passenger details page.
- Look for the insurance scheme option, usually near the payment section.
- Tick the checkbox to select the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme by paying the Rs 0.45 premium.
- Complete your payment as usual.
Following these steps will make sure your ticket includes insurance coverage automatically.
Who Can Opt for the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme and What It Covers
This insurance is only available to passengers who buy their tickets online and have RAC or confirmed berths. Waiting list ticket holders are not eligible right now.
Coverage includes benefits for any unfortunate events during travel. While the exact claim details and amounts can be checked with Indian Railways or the insurance partner, choosing this scheme definitely adds extra protection at a very low cost.
Other Recent Changes Improving Passenger Experience in Indian Railways
Along with the travel insurance scheme, Indian Railways has introduced several changes aimed at making railway journeys safer and more comfortable for you.
New Railway Station Entry and Emergency Quota Rules
To control crowding at railway stations, only passengers holding confirmed tickets will now be allowed inside. This step is to keep station crowd control smooth and improve safety.
Also, the rules for submitting Emergency Quota (EQ) requests have been updated:
| Train Departure Time | EQ Request Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Between 00:00 and 14:00 hours | Up to 12:00 hours on previous day |
| Between 14:01 and 23:59 hours | Up to 16:00 hours on previous day |
Requests made on the day of the train departure won’t be accepted. On Sundays and public holidays, EQ requests should be submitted on the previous working day. These changes are meant to stop misuse and make the allotment process smoother, especially since many EQ requests come from VIPs, railway officers, and other officials.
These reforms, along with the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme, show Indian Railways’ dedication to improving passenger safety, comfort, and ease.
For more official details, you can visit the Indian Railways official website.