NEW DELHI — In a major move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, Indian Railways announced the extension of its low-cost travel insurance scheme to include passengers purchasing physical counter tickets, effective October 27. For a nominal premium of just 45 paise, eligible travelers will now secure an accidental insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh, significantly expanding the safety net across the national transit network.
Historically, railway-affiliated travel insurance schemes primarily targeted passengers booking journeys through digital portals and online reservation systems, leaving millions of traditional counter-ticket buyers unprotected. This latest policy update addresses a long-standing disparity in traveler welfare, ensuring that passengers who rely on station ticket windows can access the exact same financial security during transit as their digital counterparts.
According to reports by the Times of India, transport authorities have finalized the logistical framework to seamlessly integrate counter-ticket purchasers into the existing insurance architecture without creating cumbersome administrative hurdles. Industry analysts and passenger advocacy groups have welcomed the decision, noting that extending comprehensive coverage to physical ticket holders represents a crucial step toward universal social security within the country's massive public transportation sector.
Looking ahead, railway officials expect the initiative to drive higher adoption rates of optional transit insurance as awareness spreads among everyday commuters. As the October 27 implementation date approaches, authorities are preparing to launch informational campaigns at major railway stations nationwide to guide passengers on how to opt into the coverage during their physical ticket transactions.