Patna: Passengers buying reserved train tickets from Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters can now opt for travel insurance, with the railways extending the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to counter bookings from Tuesday.Under the scheme, passengers will get insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability during a train journey. They will receive Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability and up to Rs 2 lakh towards hospital expenses for injuries. The scheme also provides Rs 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains.ECR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra said the optional insurance facility is available to passengers aged five years and above, including children between five and 11 years. However, children below five years are not eligible for coverage under the scheme, he said.To avail the facility, passengers booking reserved tickets through PRS counters will have to indicate their willingness to opt for insurance while filling up the reservation form. They will be required to pay a nominal premium of 45 paise through online payment.Saraswati Chandra said the introduction of the scheme at reservation counters is expected to make travel insurance accessible to a wider section of railway passengers, including those who do not book tickets through online platforms.Meanwhile, the Samastipur division of the ECR has confirmed implementation of the scheme from Tuesday. “The extension of the facility to PRS counter bookings will provide passengers with an additional option to secure financial protection against unforeseen incidents during their train journeys,” PRO R K Singh said.
