Insurance Premium: Millions of people travel by train every day, but very few passengers are aware that booking railway tickets online also offers them a very affordable travel insurance option. The premium for this insurance is less than Re 1, while the coverage in case of an accident is worth lakhs of rupees. Recently, the Supreme Court raised questions about why this facility is not available for tickets purchased at the counter if it is available for online tickets. This is why this news is of particular importance to passengers.
Read Here: 8th Pay Commission – Will DA be merged with Basic Salary? Know the Latest Update
Read Here: Salary, Pension Hike: RBI, NABARD Employees and Pensioners to Receive Arrears
What is Railway Travel Insurance?
When booking tickets online through IRCTC, passengers are given the option to choose whether or not they want travel insurance. This is completely optional, but it is very important in terms of providing financial security in case of accidents or unforeseen circumstances. Available for less than Re 1, this insurance is considered extremely beneficial for passengers.
How Much Insurance Coverage is Provided?
Under railway travel insurance, coverage of up to approximately Rs 10 lakh is provided in case of death or permanent disability in a train accident. In addition, coverage of Rs 7.5 lakh is provided for partial disability and up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalisation. This large safety net at such a low cost makes it very special.
Read Here: FD Interest Rates: These Private Banks Are Offering Up to 7.20% Interest on FDs
Insurance Available on Online Tickets Only
Currently, this facility is only available with online ticket bookings. This is because the insurance companies’ data is directly linked to IRCTC’s digital system. In counter tickets, passenger information is entered manually, so adding insurance to them has been considered technically difficult. However, the Supreme Court has raised questions about this, and the possibility of changes in this system in the future has increased.
What Might Change in the Future?
Railway travel insurance with a premium of less than Re 1 is a small investment but a great relief for passengers. Following the Supreme Court’s inquiry, it is expected that passengers who purchase tickets at the counter will also be able to benefit from this insurance in the future. This will ensure the safety of all passengers and make train travel even safer.