Demand to extend travel insurance to railway employees, families

Senior railway trade union leader Chalasani Gandhi has urged the Railway Board to extend the Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to railway employees, pensioners and their eligible family members who travel on Privilege Passes and Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs).

In a representation to the Railway Board, Mr. Gandhi said railway employees and their families should receive the same insurance protection as general passengers. His demand follows the extension of the optional insurance facility to passengers who book reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters. The facility, which was earlier available only for online bookings, has been in effect since October 27, 2026.

Under the scheme, passengers can opt for accident insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh by paying a nominal premium of 45 paise, subject to applicable terms and conditions. The coverage includes compensation for accidental death, permanent disability, hospitalisation expenses and the transportation of mortal remains.

Mr. Gandhi said railway employees frequently travel in the course of their duties and deserve similar financial protection. He sought the extension of the facility to bookings made through both online platforms and PRS counters using Privilege Passes and PTOs, including those issued to eligible family members.

He also urged the Railway Board to issue clear guidelines on premium payment, policy issuance, and settlement of claims, and to introduce the necessary policy amendments in the interest of employee welfare.