Indian Railways Offers Rs 10 Lakh Insurance Cover at 45 Paise for Counter Bookings
Indian Railways has extended an optional travel insurance facility to passengers who book reserved tickets at railway counters. Under the scheme, eligible passengers can pay a premium of 45 paise per person for insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
Until now, the facility was associated with online ticket bookings. Extending it to counter bookings is significant because millions of passengers still buy tickets at railway stations. For them, the move widens access to a low-cost financial safety net.
The insurance is optional. Passengers who choose it can get coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh, but the actual amount payable depends on the nature of the incident and the policy conditions. The maximum cover should not be read as a guaranteed payout in every case.
Suraj Pandey, Managing Director of ACME India Industries Limited, told NDTV that eligible passengers booking reserved tickets at counters can access the optional facility. He said the premium is 45 paise per passenger and the maximum coverage is Rs 10 lakh, subject to applicable policy conditions. He also advised passengers to check the insurance option and read the policy details to understand the incidents covered, the benefits available and the process for making a claim.
The facility is intended to provide financial assistance in the event of specified railway accidents or other covered incidents. Passengers should note that insurance can offer support after a covered incident; it cannot prevent an accident or remove the risks faced during a journey.
That distinction matters. A low premium and a large headline cover can make the scheme attractive, but passengers should understand what is covered and what is not. Reading the policy before opting in can help avoid confusion at the time of a claim.
The extension to counter bookings also raises questions about awareness. Passengers booking at a window may not know that the option exists. Clear information at ticket counters, in booking forms and in policy documents will be important if the facility is to reach those it is meant to help.
Insurance is one part of passenger protection. The larger task is to reduce the chance of accidents through investment in railway infrastructure, coach design, material quality and maintenance. Coach interiors face constant use, heavy passenger movement and wear and tear. Fire-safe materials that meet railway standards, durable components and reliable fittings can help reduce certain risks. Regular inspections and timely repairs are equally important to identify damaged parts before they become a safety concern.
Hygiene and functionality also matter. Worn-out fittings, deteriorating interiors and poorly maintained components can affect the passenger experience and, in some cases, create avoidable risks. As Indian Railways modernises its fleet, attention must extend beyond new coaches to the maintenance of existing Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. Material testing, engineering quality, periodic inspections and planned refurbishment should remain central to railway safety.
The 45-paise insurance facility offers passengers an affordable way to access financial protection against specified risks. Extending it to eligible counter bookings makes that protection more accessible. But the larger goal must be to combine financial safeguards with stronger preventive measures. Insurance can help passengers and their families cope with the financial consequences of a covered incident. Better engineering, rigorous safety checks and regular maintenance are what help make train journeys safer in the first place.
