Bandhan Life has launched its Linked Enhanced Accidental Death Benefit (ADB) Rider, an add-on insurance cover offering financial protection of up to ₹3 crore, as concerns over accidental deaths persist despite increased safety investments in India. The move comes at a time when Indian Railways’ safety budget has risen sharply from ₹39,463 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1,16,470 crore in 2025–26, with consequential train accidents declining from 135 to 11. However, risks remain significant, with NCRB data reporting 21,803 deaths in rail accidents in 2023 and over 3,000 deaths in stampedes between 2001 and 2022.
The ADB rider, an optional add-on to existing policies, provides additional payouts to nominees in case of accidental death, including incidents such as train or aeroplane accidents, stampedes, and fires at large public or religious gatherings. It is available in Premium and Classic options. The Premium variant offers up to 300% of the rider sum assured, while the Classic option allows coverage from one to three times the base sum assured, capped at ₹3 crore. The rider can be added or removed during the policy term and adjusted based on income, liabilities, or lifestyle needs.
Maneesh Mishra, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Bandhan Life, said the product aims to address everyday risks and bridge India’s protection gap, where nearly 95% of the population lacks adequate life cover.
In Guwahati, insurers are witnessing rising awareness around risk-based financial planning, driven by increasing urban mobility and income growth. Industry observers say flexible, low-cost riders like ADB starting at ₹700 for ₹10 lakh cover under the iInvest Ultima plan are likely to gain traction among middle-income families seeking practical, event-specific protection solutions.
