News

Delhi-Jaipur Expressway Spur to Cut Travel Time to 3 Hours

Travel between Jaipur and Delhi will soon get faster with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) opening a new 65-km road section between Bagrana and Bandikui on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. According to a TOI report, the new stretch will open for trial traffic in July and will be formally inaugurated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) soon. The new link connects Bagrana, located near Jaipur city, to Bandikui. This will give Jaipur commuters direct access to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway without needing to take the longer route through Dausa on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Those coming from Rotary Circle or Ring Road can now use the cloverleaf ramp and slip lane at Bagrana to enter the expressway directly. With the new access point, the drive to the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway is expected to take around 2.5 hours. Factoring in traffic to New Delhi Railway Station or IGI Airport, the total journey from Jaipur to Delhi could take about 3 to 3.5 hours, compared to the usual 4.5 hours.

Read more

RailOne App Launches as All-in-One Railway Solution

From ticketing, enquiry, PNR enquiry food on train to Rail madad services, Indian Railways have introduced a new app, RailOne, to provide a one-stop solution for all passenger services. Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday launched the app on 40th Foundation Day of Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). CRIS is the technological wing of Indian Railways and has created Rail one app, along with all the other applications that are being used for Railways services. The app integrates services which were spread in different apps and provide it on a single platform for reserved, unreserved and platform ticket bookings, live train tracking, Grievance redressal mechanism through Rail Madad, PNR enquiry and e-catering. Along with this, the app will show the coach position of the train at every platform, users can give feedback of the services through it and can file for refund in case of train cancellation etc. However, the freight related enquiries are not yet available in the app.

Read more

Budget Asia: 5 Quick Getaways for Indian Travellers

Whether you're a seasoned vacationer or a first-timer, travelling on a budget is not only great for your wallet, but being a little thrifty may actually lead you to places you wouldn't explore otherwise. But travelling on a budget doesn't always mean you have to give up comfort or delicious meals. If you are looking to make your budget travel dreams a reality, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings, explained why Asia could be a great choice. He said Asia offers a buffet of options within easy reach, from a breezy beach break to a temple trail or a big-city shopping fix. He said, “There’s a new kind of holiday Indian travellers are loving right now: short-haul international escapes that don’t demand too many leaves, long-haul flights, or five months of planning. These trips fit neatly into a long weekend or an impulsive 'let’s just go' plan. Think culturally rich, affordable, less than six hours away by flight, and packed with experiences.”

Read more

NHAI, Google Maps to Map Low-Toll Routes

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working with Google Maps to introduce a new feature in its Rajmargyatra mobile application, which will suggest different routes, including an alternative with lowest toll charges to the motorists. This service will be available from next month. Officials said that the highway users would be at liberty to choose a route to reach a destination as per their convenience to save travelling time or toll fee. “There are two best possible routes to reach Agra from Delhi. One can take the Yamuna Expressway or National Highway 44 (Mathura Road). The app will inform users which route will attract a lower toll,” said officials. Google Maps provides live traffic data and real-time GPS navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transport. It also suggests routes with estimated toll charges. Moreover, it offers options to avoid tolls entirely or prioritise routes based on the preferences of the user. The move is being seen as another strategic attempt by the NHAI to increase downloads and usage of the Rajmargyatra app.

Read more

Six Senses Bangkok to Open in Silom by 2028

Thailand is set to unveil a new hotel called Six Senses Bangkok in 2028 as part of Bangkok’s mega Hatai redevelopment project in Silom, tracking a course to revitalize a heritage site and advancing sustainable urban hospitality. The project, created in association with Narai Hospitality Group, will transform the site of old Narai Hotel as a luxurious wellness center that merges local Thai artisanal heritage with innovative eco-conscious design. With a goal of being LEED Gold and WELL Gold certified, such a new hotel will further consolidate Bangkok’s position as a global leader in top-tier, wellness-led tourism and be a landmark occasion in Bangkok’s hotel transformation. In a significant move that blends luxury hospitality with sustainability and cultural heritage, Six Senses has announced a strategic hotel management agreement with Narai Hospitality Group to develop a flagship urban resort—Six Senses Bangkok. This groundbreaking property will be situated in the heart of Silom, one of Bangkok’s most storied and commercially vibrant districts. The hotel will anchor the upcoming Hatai development, a transformative mixed-use project that will occupy the historic site of the former Narai Hotel. Set to open its doors in 2028, Six Senses Bangkok will stand as a powerful symbol of renewal and progress. It marks a major milestone not only in the evolution of the Six Senses brand in Thailand but also in Bangkok’s shift toward eco-conscious and wellness-driven tourism. The hotel will be designed by world-renowned Heatherwick Studio, with an emphasis on merging traditional Thai craftsmanship and environmental innovation.

Read more

UAE & China Strengthen Ties with Emirates’ New Dubai–Shenzhen Route

Emirates Airline has further strengthened its foothold in China with the launch of a new daily flight service to Shenzhen (SZX), marking its fourth gateway in the mainland. The inaugural flight, EK328, arrived in Shenzhen on July 1, connecting the city with Dubai (DXB) and reinforcing Emirates’ growing East Asia strategy. This new addition is expected to foster increased travel and enhance trade relations between the UAE and China, linking two key economic hubs. Shenzhen, recognized as a center for technological innovation and industrial development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, now has direct access to Emirates’ global network. The new route expands the airline’s reach in China, complementing its services to other major cities like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN). With 42 weekly flights to these four cities, Emirates meets the growing demand for business and leisure travel while bolstering trade between China and the UAE. The new Shenzhen route not only highlights Emirates’ role in strengthening global market connections but also serves as a vital link between the UAE and China, reinforcing their growing bilateral ties.

Read more