Railway ticket counters to mandate digital payments for optional travel insurance

Starting October 27, railway passengers purchasing the optional 45-paise travel insurance at ticket counters are required to complete the transaction digitally. This operational change stems directly from a Supreme Court order mandating digital transaction modes for insurance premiums. Additionally, cash payments are rendered impractical because the specific coins required for the 45-paise amount are no longer recognized as legal tender.

This procedural update ensures compliance with judicial directives while addressing the logistical challenge of collecting fractional currency amounts at physical counters. Furthermore, passengers who subsequently cancel their train tickets will forfeit a portion of this insurance premium alongside other applicable standard cancellation fees. This adjustment impacts the overall refund calculation for canceled journeys involving insurance.

Travelers booking tickets at physical railway counters must ensure they have active digital payment capabilities ready before October 27. Commuters should also review ticket cancellation policies to account for the non-refundable insurance premium components when planning their travel arrangements.