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Indian Railways now offers passengers with confirmed or RAC e-tickets the choice to opt for a budget-friendly Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS). For just 45 paise per journey, inclusive of taxes, travellers receive insurance coverage for the entire duration of their train travel.
Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, the scheme aims to enhance safety and affordability for millions of railway passengers.
Available exclusively for online bookings made via the IRCTC website or mobile app, the scheme charges a base premium of ₹0.38 plus applicable GST. Coverage begins from the moment the passenger boards the train and continues until they alight. Enrolment is hassle-free - simply tick the checkbox during ticket booking, with no extra paperwork required.
Extensive Protection for Passengers
The Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) offers comprehensive coverage against various travel-related risks, including accidental death, permanent total disability, and medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained during the journey. This financial safeguard is particularly beneficial for passengers undertaking long-distance travel or navigating challenging circumstances.
Claims under the scheme are processed directly by the insurance company, enabling passengers to file claims without any involvement from Indian Railways.
Since its introduction in 2016, OTIS has successfully settled 333 claims, disbursing a total of ₹27.22 crore to affected passengers and their families. These figures demonstrate both the scheme's effectiveness and the real demand for affordable travel insurance among railway users. Highlighting these achievements in Parliament, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing passenger welfare through accessible and low-cost solutions.
Seamless Integration with Digital Platforms
The Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) is seamlessly embedded within the IRCTC ticket booking system, ensuring passengers can secure coverage without navigating multiple websites or complex procedures. During the booking process, the option to opt in or opt out is clearly displayed, and once selected, passengers instantly receive confirmation from the insurer detailing their policy and claims process.
This streamlined, user-focused design represents a major step forward in digital public service delivery, leveraging India's growing internet connectivity and smartphone adoption. The Logical Indian has commended this approach for effectively weaving financial security into everyday travel plans at a highly affordable price.
Driving Wider Awareness
The success of the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) largely depends on improving passenger awareness and understanding of its benefits. A significant number of travellers remain unaware of the coverage it offers, which limits participation. To address this, Indian Railways and government agencies must continue targeted awareness drives and educational campaigns to promote this valuable safety net.
OTIS aligns with the government's broader vision of integrating digital services with passenger safety and financial inclusion. For the millions who depend on India's vast railway network-many of whom have no access to traditional insurance-this scheme makes securing essential protection as simple as booking a ticket.
Its low cost makes it especially appealing to budget-conscious travellers and first-time insurance buyers who might otherwise travel uninsured. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to making railway travel both safer and more accessible for all.
