Legal & Compliance

1.1. Introduction

Welcome to BiharYaatra. By using our website and mobile application (the "Platform"), you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service.

1.2. Role of the Platform

BiharYaatra operates strictly as a technology platform and an intermediary connecting tourists ("Users") with verified homestays, tour guides, and taxi services ("Service Providers").

• No Direct Liability: BiharYaatra is not a direct travel agency, transport operator, or accommodation provider.
• Escrow Mechanism: We act as a collection agent (via Escrow) to facilitate secure payments between Users and Service Providers. Funds are disbursed to Service Providers only upon successful service commencement or completion.

1.3. Limitation of Liability

BiharYaatra shall not be held liable for:

• Accidents, breakdowns, or delays involving transport providers.
• Quality of food or stay at the homestays, beyond basic verification guarantees.
• Actions, behavior, or omissions of the Service Providers.

1.4. User & Provider Obligations

• Users: Must provide accurate KYC information (e.g., Aadhar) as required by local authorities for homestay check-ins.
• Providers: Must maintain active licenses, insurance, and adhere to our safety standards.

2.1. Data Collection

We collect necessary information to facilitate bookings, which includes:

• Personal Details: Name, email, phone number.
• KYC Documents: Government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhar Card) required for regulatory compliance for homestay check-ins.

2.2. Data Storage & Security

• Infrastructure: All personal data and uploaded documents are securely stored using Supabase, which complies with industry-standard security protocols.
• Encryption: Data in transit and at rest is encrypted.
• Aadhar Masking: Where applicable, we encourage users to upload masked Aadhar cards to minimize risk.

2.3. Data Sharing

• We only share relevant booking and ID details with the specific Service Provider (Homestay/Driver) you have booked with.
• We do not sell user data to third-party advertisers.

3.1. User Initiated Cancellations

To provide fairness to both tourists and local providers, the following tier-based cancellation matrix applies:

3.3. Refund Processing

All approved refunds are processed automatically and credited back to the original payment method via Razorpay within 5-7 business days.

In accordance with the Information Technology Act 2000, IT Rules 2021, and DPDP Act 2023, the details of the Grievance Officer are provided below for any complaints, disputes, or data-related inquiries:

• Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge your grievance within 24 hours.
• Resolution: We aim to resolve standard grievances within 15 days from the date of receipt. Content-related grievances will be addressed within 72 hours.