Railway Travel Insurance Rule From October 27: Train passengers purchasing tickets at railway reservation counters will have to follow a new payment rule if they want travel insurance. From October 27, the insurance premium cannot be paid in cash and must be settled digitally along with the ticket fare. The change brings counter bookings in line with the Railways' plan to extend the insurance facility to passengers who purchase tickets offline.
The Railway Board has asked officials to start this facility at counters as well. Until now, it was only available for online bookings. The move comes after a Supreme Court order on October 6 that pushed the Railways to offer insurance even for tickets bought at reservation counters.
How Will The New Railway Insurance Rule Work?
If you choose travel insurance while buying a ticket at the counter, you’ll have to pay the full amount, ticket fare plus premium, through digital modes only. Those who don’t want the insurance can still pay for their tickets the way they usually do.
Officials also mentioned that coins of 5, 10, 20 and 25 paise are no longer legal tender. That’s one reason they’re pushing for digital payments, which should make things smoother at the counters.
CRIS Updates Ticket Booking Software
Center for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) has already made the required software changes and is testing the system along with IRCTC. Regional railways have been told to get their PRS counters ready for the new arrangement.
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One important point: if you cancel the ticket later, a part of the insurance premium will still be deducted along with the regular cancellation charges. For example, if the premium is 45 paise, 9 paise will be kept back.
Passengers have been advised to check the insurance cover and all the terms carefully before opting for it at the counter.