For years, a crucial safety net was available only to those booking train tickets online. Now, Indian Railways has extended its optional travel insurance scheme to tickets bought at physical counters, a major step in passenger security.
What's New for Counter Tickets?
In a significant
move to enhance passenger safety, Indian Railways has expanded its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to include passengers who book reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. This facility, which was previously exclusive to e-tickets booked via the IRCTC website or app, became available for counter bookings from October 27, 2026. The decision aims to bring parity and offer financial protection to millions of travellers who rely on offline booking methods. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways to implement the necessary changes, ensuring reservation staff can facilitate this option for passengers. This means that no matter where you book your reserved ticket, you now have the choice to secure your journey.
A Look at the Coverage and Cost
For a nominal premium of just 45 paise per passenger, the insurance policy provides substantial financial coverage against unforeseen incidents during the train journey. The benefits are identical to those offered for online bookings. The policy provides compensation of up to ₹10 lakh in the unfortunate event of death or permanent total disability resulting from a train accident or other untoward incident. In cases of permanent partial disability, the coverage is up to ₹7.5 lakh. The scheme also includes up to ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses for injuries and ₹10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains. This low-cost, high-benefit structure makes it an accessible safety measure for all travellers.
How to Opt-In at the Counter
The process for availing the insurance at a PRS counter is straightforward but has specific requirements. When filling out the reservation form, you must indicate your willingness to opt for the insurance. Crucially, you must also provide a valid mobile number and pay for both the ticket and the insurance premium using a digital payment method. Cash payments are not accepted if you choose the insurance option, partly because the 45-paise premium cannot be transacted with currently available coins. Accepted digital methods include UPI, debit cards, and credit cards. Once the booking is complete, the policy details will be sent via SMS and email from the insurance company, including a link to update nominee information.
Who Is Eligible for This Scheme?
The optional travel insurance is available to all Indian citizens who book a reserved ticket, including those with Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and partially confirmed tickets. If the insurance option is selected for a PNR, it applies to all passengers on that ticket. Children below the age of five are not eligible for coverage. However, children between the ages of five and eleven are covered under the scheme. It is important to note that the scheme does not apply to unreserved or general class tickets. The primary goal is to extend this protection to as many reserved ticket holders as possible, regardless of their booking platform.
Why This Is a Game Changer
Extending travel insurance to counter bookings is more than just a policy update; it's a significant step towards democratising passenger safety. A large segment of the Indian population still relies on physical ticket counters for their travel needs. By making insurance accessible to them, Indian Railways is ensuring that a crucial financial safety net is not limited by one's access to the internet or digital literacy. The extremely low premium of 45 paise makes it affordable for nearly everyone, providing peace of mind against the financial shock of an accident. After booking, passengers should ensure they receive the policy details and take a moment to fill in the nominee information via the link provided by the insurer to ensure a smooth claim process for their family if the need ever arises.
