LUCKNOW: Indian Railways has decided to extend its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to passengers booking reserved tickets through Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters from October 27, in compliance with Supreme Court directions.

In an order issued on Saturday, the Railway Board directed all zonal railways to make necessary arrangements for implementing the scheme at reservation counters.

The decision follows the Supreme Court's October 6 order in the Union of India versus Radha Yadav case.

Under the scheme, passengers can opt for insurance by paying a premium of 45 paise per passenger, offering coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh in case of death or permanent total disability arising from a railway accident or untoward incident.

The policy also provides Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh towards hospitalisation expenses and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.

According to the Railway Board, insurance will remain optional, and reservation staff must inform passengers about its availability before booking.

Passengers opting for insurance must provide a mobile number and pay the premium through digital payment modes only.

The premium will be collected along with the ticket fare.

Insurance policy details will be communicated to passengers through their registered mobile numbers.

The Board clarified that the existing terms and conditions applicable to IRCTC e-ticket insurance will also apply to tickets purchased at reservation counters.

Divisional railway managers and commercial officers have been directed to monitor implementation, while zonal railways must submit compliance reports confirming operational readiness.