Optional travel insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for PRS counter ticket buyers from October 27

Passengers who buy reserved tickets at railway reservation counters will be able to take optional accident insurance from October 27, 2026. Indian Railways is widening its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to cover bookings made at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters across the network. So far, only those who booked e-tickets on IRCTC could opt for it.

The decision was announced in a press release issued on Sunday by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway. The cover stays voluntary. A passenger who wants it has to ask for it, give a mobile number and pay the premium digitally. The premium is added to the ticket fare, and no cash payment is accepted for it.

The charge is 45 paise per passenger, with all taxes included. Only Indian citizens can take the cover, and the ticket must be confirmed, in RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or partially confirmed when it is booked. Once insurance is chosen, every eligible passenger on the same PNR is covered.

Children younger than five are left out if their tickets carry no berth or seat. Those aged five to 11 can be insured, whether or not a berth or seat has been allotted to them.

If a covered train accident or untoward incident occurs, eligible passengers can claim benefits as per the policy terms. Death or permanent total disability brings Rs 10 lakh. Permanent partial disability brings up to Rs 7.5 lakh. Hospital bills for treating injuries are reimbursed up to Rs 2 lakh. A further Rs 10,000 is paid towards carrying the body, again subject to the applicable conditions.

To make this possible, the reservation requisition form has been revised. It now lets a passenger say, on the same form, whether travel insurance is wanted. The new form will be stocked at all PRS centres of Western Railway.

Centres will also make announcements so that travellers learn of the facility, and of the need for digital payment and a mobile number. Reservation staff have been asked to explain the insurance option and the procedure laid down for it.

After booking, the details of the policy will reach the passenger on the registered mobile number. The passenger then has to open the website of the insurance company concerned, through a link supplied for the purpose, and enter the nominee's details.

A death claim will be settled in favour of the declared nominee. Where no nominee has been registered, the money will go to the legal heirs, who must produce a legal heir certificate or a succession certificate.

The terms already in force under the optional scheme will govern PRS counter bookings as well. The insurance company concerned will issue the policy and settle claims. Passengers who want the cover are advised to mark their choice clearly on the revised reservation requisition form.