Indian Railways Expands Travel Insurance Access to PRS Reservation Counters
Indian Railways is extending access to travel insurance for passengers through Passenger Reservation System (PRS) reservation counters. Under the facility described, passengers can obtain travel insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for a premium of just 45 paise. The move is intended to provide an additional travel protection option to passengers who purchase tickets at railway reservation counters instead of booking online.
Millions of passengers travel by train across India every day, including working professionals, students, senior citizens, businesspeople and families. Making travel insurance available at reservation counters could extend access to passengers who do not use online ticket-booking platforms. The facility would allow eligible passengers to consider insurance coverage while purchasing their tickets, subject to the applicable terms and eligibility requirements.
The optional travel insurance facility has been available through the online railway ticket-booking process. Extending access to PRS reservation counters could make the option available to passengers who book their tickets in person. Passengers from rural areas and those who experience difficulties with online booking may also be able to obtain information about travel insurance directly from reservation counter staff.
However, the availability of the facility at individual reservation centres and the procedure for opting into the coverage should be confirmed with the relevant railway reservation office.
The stated coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for a premium of 45 paise is subject to the applicable insurance policy conditions. The maximum coverage amount is not automatically payable in every circumstance. Benefits are available only in eligible situations, which may include specified incidents involving accidents, death or permanent disability, as defined under the policy.
The amount payable depends on the nature of the incident, the policy conditions and the passenger's eligibility. Passengers should therefore review the applicable terms and conditions before opting for insurance while booking their tickets.
Travel insurance is generally an optional facility. Before selecting the option, passengers should verify the applicable premium, the circumstances covered by the policy and the documents required to file a claim. In the event of an accident, the prescribed claims procedure must be followed in accordance with the insurer's rules.
The information is also relevant to passengers travelling from Muzaffarpur and other railway stations across Bihar. Passengers purchasing tickets at reservation counters can ask railway staff about the availability of travel insurance, the applicable premium and the policy conditions before making a decision.
The initiative could extend access to travel insurance to more passengers at the time of ticket booking. However, the implementation date for the facility at PRS counters, its availability across individual reservation centres and the detailed conditions governing the stated coverage of up to ₹10 lakh should be verified through official railway communications or the relevant insurance provider.
Passengers should assess the policy terms alongside the stated premium and maximum coverage amount before deciding whether to opt for the insurance facility.
