Railways will start charging for travel insurance from September 1
What's the story
The free travel insurance offered by the Indian Railways will cease to exist from September 1 this year, said a senior Railways official.
The free insurance is given to those who book the tickets via the IRCTC app or website, but now it would be optional for the passengers.
Once opted, one has to pay the insurance amount, which has not been disclosed yet.
Information
Insurance schemes started to encourage digital transactions
The insurance schemes were started to encourage digital transactions. The Railways had tied up with companies like ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Royal Sundaram General Insurance and Shriram General Insurance to roll out four different schemes: Rs. 10L, Rs. 7.5L and Rs. 2L and Rs. 10,000.
Details
Covered: Right from death, disability due to accident to injuries
The Rs. 10L cover is in case of a person's death during train journey, while the Rs. 7.5L is for any disability caused due to an accident.
The Rs. 2L is for injury afflicted to a person while the last one is for transportation of mortal remains.
The insurance schemes were announced in 2016, and were implemented for online transactions last December.
Recent changes
Separately, do you know the changes Railways have brought over?
Over the years, the Indian Railways has brought quite a few technological advancements which have not only resulted in increased efficiency of the transport system but also in better and enriching experience for the users.
From inclusion of high-speed trains to overhauling its ticket-booking website, IRCTC has taken steps in the right direction.
Here are some of the recent advancements.
Change-I
India got its first CNG train with fumigation technology
The Railways introduced the country's first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-run train in 2015 on the Northern zone's Rewari-Rohtak section, in a major step toward the adoption of green fuel.
For this, the Railways modified its 1,400 HP engine using fumigation technology, so that it can run on both diesel and CNG. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emission and consumption of diesel.
Change-II
Deen Dayalu coaches: A step towards modern coaches
Indian Railways introduced coaches called 'Deen Dayalu' with facilities like mobile charging points, potable drinking water, and bio-toilets for passengers who travel in the general class of mail and express trains.
These coaches also have pleasing exterior and interior color schemes with anti-graffiti measures.
As many as 700 'Deen Dayalu' coaches will be added to the trains by the end of this year.
Change-III
IRCTC recently revamped its ticket-booking website
In a bid to enhance its users' experience, the IRCTC recently revamped its ticketing website. Now users can inquire or search for trains, besides checking the availability of seats, without logging onto the website.
The website also lets users filter the search results on the basis of destination, departure/arrival time wise as well as on the basis of different quotas.