Supreme Court Questions Why Only Online Rail Ticket Buyers Get Accident Insurance
SC questions Indian Railways on why accident insurance covers only online ticket buyers.
The Supreme Court of India has raised a pointed query to the Indian Railways regarding why accident insurance coverage is granted only to passengers purchasing tickets through online channels, excluding those who buy tickets offline. The bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K. Vinod Chandran, sought an explanation after being informed that the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS), designed to protect passengers during their journey, is currently offered exclusively to those booking confirmed or RAC tickets online via the IRCTC platform.
Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, representing the Railways, was asked to provide reasons for this disparity, highlighting concerns about equal access to passenger safety measures. The court emphasized the importance of equitable protection irrespective of the mode of ticket purchase, signaling a potential policy reassessment to close the insurance gap for offline passengers.
The query arises amid a broader judicial focus on railway safety standards and infrastructure upgrades, with the court stressing that improvements to tracks, crossings, and overall safety mechanisms are critical priorities. The Railways were encouraged to continue comprehensive reforms with commitment and purpose, underscoring the need for passenger welfare in all aspects.
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Currently, the OTIS allows online ticket buyers to opt into travel insurance at a nominal premium of Rs 0.45 per trip, providing coverage up to Rs 10 lakh for accidents including collisions, derailments, or similar incidents. Passengers receive policy information instantly and must file claims directly with the insurance company. The scheme’s exclusion of offline ticket purchasers has increasingly come under scrutiny, prompting judicial intervention.
The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings on January 13, asking the Railways to submit a detailed response explaining the rationale behind this online-only insurance provision. The case potentially paves the way for reforms ensuring uniform passenger protection across all ticketing modes, reflecting a significant shift in how passenger rights and safety coverage may be administered in the future.
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