Varanasi! Banaras! Kashi!  With different names, the city is a renowned pilgrimage (holiest of seven sacred cities ‘sapta puri’ in Hinduism and Jainism) situated on the bank of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.

The city is renowned as an industrial centre for muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, sculptures and academic excellence through the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). In terms of tourism (the second most important industry to Varanasi), a total of 62.8 lakh tourists reported arrival in Varanasi in 2017, both national and international.

Challenges faced by Two Wheeler Riders in Varanasi

• There is absolutely no escape: Because of the high population density of Varanasi and the increasing number of tourists, there is a huge problem of pollution and pressures on infrastructure in the city. Varanasi was never meant to handle so much traffic with its narrow lanes and by-lanes within the city. Increasing tourism, a rise in the purchase of cars and bikes, and commutation even on the dingiest roads cause congestion. 
  
• Lack of proper infrastructure: The city witnesses huge traffic congestion on its main roads, narrow by-lanes and even the most congested passages despite the huge investment promises made by the central government. Fifteen road projects, terminal construction, Kashi-Vishwanath corridor, among others are just moving on surface-level with no actual developments.
• Increasing commercialization of the city: Varanasi is an industrial hub for textile, perfumes and sculptures and is fairly active in its operations. However, increased commercialization over recent years witnessed a rising number of heavy vehicle movement within the city which increases the chances of accidents manifolds even in close proximity.
• Miserable traffic management: The city lacks proper traffic management at most of the junctions due to the absence of traffic police and road signals. No one wants to compromise on a clear traffic movement or withdrawal to let anyone pass. Secondly, because there is no systematic movement, the chaos increases multitude with the passage of time and grows longer causing huge traffic jams.
• Theft: Since the place is a tourist spot and the inflow is high, especially near the temples, colleges, famous eateries and Ganga banks (ghats), people here generally park vehicles on no parking areas and even on roads without proper safety. So theft has become common. 

With Digit’s two-wheeler insurance, you can ride with a broad safety in the narrow lanes of Varanasi. The process of buying to claiming is simple, convenient and online. 

• Choose from the two types of plans available: The portfolio constitutes of two plans:
• a) Comprehensive Bike Insurance: Covers the loss caused to your bike by accidents, fires or natural disasters, theft, etc. This plan also covers the third-party liability on your behalf.
• b) Third-Party Bike Insurance: Covers only third-party loss like injury or death of any third party individual or damages caused to the property/vehicle, when you are at fault.
• Avoid heavy traffic fines - In order to reduce the complexities on the roads of Varanasi, traffic rules are followed in a strict manner these days. So, checking of legal documents of any vehicles is unavoidable in the process. In absence of two-wheeler insurance, you will be charged with a  penalty of ₹2000 and/or imprisonment of 3 months and your driving license may be suspended too. Under such circumstances, third-party two-wheeler insurance can act as a rescue for you. 
• All in one protection with a comprehensive plan - Since Varanasi faces heavy propensity to accidents and third-party faults, the comprehensive insurance policy can safeguard you and your vehicle against any third party damages, accidental expenses, natural disasters and theft. This can be customized with multiple add-ons to broaden the coverage.
• Suitable Add-ons for Varanasi - As discussed above, theft is an issue to worry for bike owners in Varanasi. So, the Return to invoice cover from can beef up your basic comprehensive plan to face such issues. Zero depreciation cover can give much peace of mind if your bike is new. There are other add-ons like the consumable cover, breakdown assistance, etc.

Know more about Own Damage Insurance for Bike.