Railway Passengers Will Be Recommended Optional Travel Insurance By IRCTC

IRCTC will soon provide an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to all train travellers at a premium of just Re 1.

When introduced, this is going to be a big deal for every train traveller. Starting September 1, railway passengers will be offered optional travel insurance by IRCTC.

The facility, which will be initially introduced on a trial basis, will allow passengers to opt for a travel insurance for a premium of just Re 1 while booking an e-ticket from the IRCTC website.

Although the insurance cover is available for all e-tickets, irrespective of the class, the scheme won't be available for sub-urban trains.

Offered by IRCTC in partnership with with ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Royal Sundaram and Shriram General, the scheme will offer travellers and their families a compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability, Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses, and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains in the event of death or injury from a train accident or other 'untoward incident' including terrorist attacks, dacoity, rioting, shoot-out or arson, as well as for short termination, diverted route and Vikalp trains.

The scheme offers travelers or their families compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent total disability, Rs 7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, up to Rs 2 lakh for hospitalization expenses and Rs 10,000 for transportation of mortal remains in the event of death or injury from a train accident or other 'untoward incident' including terrorist attacks, dacoity, rioting, shoot-out or arson, as well as for short termination, diverted route and Vikalp trains.

Train accident and untoward incident cases will be as per definition under Sections 123 read with Sections 124 and 124A of the Railways Act, 1989.

The claims intimation should be immediate but not later than four months after the event. The insurance company will process the claim and send the cheque within 15 days of the receipt of document.

In case of cancellation of tickets, IRCTC will make an automatic refund of the premium amount after deduction of administrative charges to the passenger on the same account that was used to book the ticket.

Here Are A Few Destinations In Rajasthan That You Must Visit This Monsoon

The monsoons make for an amazing time to explore the beauty of Rajasthan. Here are a few places you must visit.

There's hardly a person alive who would not like to travel to Rajasthan. Well, it's just not heritage that attracts so many travellers to this colourful state. Rajasthan has a bit of everything--right from wildlife to hills to heritage. And trust us on this--monsoons are a great time to explore all of that. In fact, in a few places, it's even better than the winters, which is usually considered to be the peak season. After all, the dark clouds and the rain-soaked greenery gives a picturesque glow to the landscape. Here are a few destinations in the state that you must visit this season.

Ranakpur

Not many travelers have heard of this place. But interestingly, this is one place in rajasthan where you can see the real charm of the aravalli range, which is said to be earth’s oldest mountain range. While the entire landscape is covered by a carpet of green, the dark grey clouds overhead add a soothing hue to the 360-degree view of the surrounging hills.

While you are here, go on a nature walk and spend a day visiting the ancient Jain temple which is the main tourist attraction of this place. Dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, this temple is known for its architecture. The intricate marble carvings covering most of the interior space of the temple are stunning. You can spend hours here taking in the beauty and taking photographs of the place. Don't forget to have the prasad meal offered here. It's pure vegetarian, but we bet it's one of the most delicious meals you will ever have.

If you have time, pay a visit to Bera wildlife sanctuary--a place where you can spot leopards. It is located at a distance of just 6o km from Ranakpur. For a dose of heritage, visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is located at a distance of 33 km from Ranakpur.

Distance from Delhi: 627 km
Stay:Mana Hotel

Bundi

Another lesser-known destination of Rajasthan, Bundi is a place where you can see the beauty of Rajasthan's traditional culture in its purest form. Filled with narrow lanes and Brahmin-blue houses, the city is home to numerous lakes, hills, bazaars, and temples at every turn.

Unlike other popular destinations of Rajasthan, this place doesn't have every street crowded with tourist crowds. A walk through this city will bring you in close encounters with the state's folk art (displayed through the wall paintings adorning the houses) and delicious street food available at the several local stalls. Besides, the local bazaars of this place promise authentic experiences to shopaholics.

Apart from all this, Bundi happens to be one of the best places to witness the colourful festival of Teej that Rajasthan is known for. This year, the celebrations will take place on the 5th of August. Bundi's heritage is dictated by the Bundi Palace which offers amazing panoramas of the town.

Distance from Delhi: 493 km
Stay: The Hadoti Palace

 Bhainsrorgarh

Located at a 57 km picturesque drive from Kota, Bhainsrorgarh is a place where you can experience Rajasthan rather differently than you have always imagined it to be. Bordering the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Chambal River and its surrounding landscape add beauty to this place.

You can go on a nature hike along the river and end it with a picnic lunch inside the verdant forests of Chambal or row to the beautiful river island. Taking time out to walk up to the 9th century Badoli temples also offers a refreshing experience to explorers. Apart from this, a trip to Bhainsrorgarh is incomplete without a stay at the Bhainsrorgarh Fort, which is a boutique heritage hotel perched beautifully on the top of a cliff overlooking Chambal River.

Distance from Delhi: 575 km
Stay: Bhainsrorgarh Fort

Udaipur

No matter how many times you have visited this place or no matter how much you have read about it, the City of Lakes can be rediscovered in a new way every single time you are there. Apart from the City Palace, Lake Pichola and other popular tourist attractions of this place, Udaipur is one destination in Rajasthan that boasts of a Monsoon Palace.

Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty in 1884, the Monsoon Palace is located on the top of one of the hillocks of the Aravalli Range, thus offering a panoramic view of the city under the beautiful monsoon clouds.

Distance from Delhi: 663 km
Stay: Jagmandir Island Palace

Bharatpur

Located at an easy driving distance from Delhi, Bharatpur makes for a perfect weekend getaway for birders living in the national capital. The place is known for the Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), which is home to more than 350 avian species including a good number of rare and migratory species.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wildlife photographer's haven and can be best explored on foot. Also, one must not miss out on a boat ride, which is less popular yet promises an amazing experience for both birders and nature lovers.

Distance from Delhi: 223 km
Stay:Bharatpur Forest Lodge