Railway Minister: Travel Insurance for E-Ticket Holders at Just 45 Paisa

Quick Summary

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that passengers booking e-tickets can avail the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) for a premium of ₹0.45 (inclusive of taxes).
• The scheme provides insurance cover for Confirmed/RAC passengers who book tickets online, but is not available for tickets booked at reservation counters.
• Passengers receive policy data via SMS and email directly from the insurance company, which also handles claims settlement independently.
• In the past five years, insurance companies settled 333 claims under this scheme, distributing ₹27.22 crores to affected passengers or their families.
• Opting in or out of OTIS during ticket booking on IRCTC’s platform is simple and requires no additional documentation.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Optional Travel Insurance Scheme reflects an effort by Indian Railways to enhance passenger safety and offer affordable risk coverage while traveling. With just 45 paisa per trip as a premium charge, it appears economically accessible across demographics, making it inclusive for most travelers who book e-tickets online. However, limiting the scheme’s availability to only online bookings could exclude a significant segment of Indian railway users reliant on counter reservations.

The settlement data-333 claims amounting to ₹27.22 crores over five years-indicates effective implementation but suggests scope for greater awareness about usage among travelers to maximize its benefits further.

While administrative simplicity through integration into IRCTC ensures convenience in enrolling or opting out without cumbersome procedures, ensuring timely claim settlements by involved insurers remains critical for maintaining public trust in such initiatives.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railways-to-launch-portal-for-lok-sabha-and-rajya-sabha-members-to-book-reserved-tickets-online/article69849312.ece