News

Shahberi flyover update: Greater Noida to Ghaziabad link to ease congestion

To improve the road network in Delhi-NCR, more roads are being constructed, including several highways and expressways. Now, travel between Ghaziabad and Greater Noida is going to become easier soon. The Greater Noida Authority has approved a flyover between Greater Noida’s Shahberi to Crossing Republik in Ghaziabad. The construction work of the flyover connecting the two areas is expected to start soon. Reports suggest GRENO will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for further process. Once completed, the flyover will make the journey of people going to and coming from the Noida Airport easier. There will be relief from problems like traffic jams. Before the construction of this Shahberi flyover, the DPR of about 3.8 km long and 16 meter wide flyover from the Iteda roundabout to the NH-9 will be prepared. It is estimated that by April 2025, Greater Noida International Airport will be operational for commercial use. After the airport becomes operational, a large number of people from western UP will reach the airport via Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) is engaged in the preparation of the DPR. A team from the CRRI has done an initial site evaluation of the project and will now start preparing the DPR. The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority sent a letter to CRRI to prepare the DPR. The DPR will first be put before the authority board. Once approved, it will go to the state government for further clearance.

Read more

Etihad, Air Europa expand global partnership

Etihad Airways and Air Europa are set to strengthen their strategic partnership, enhancing connectivity and services for travellers. With Etihad increasing its flights to Madrid to twice daily from summer 2025, the collaboration will boost seamless travel between Abu Dhabi, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. This move aims to provide customers with greater flexibility, superior services, and an expanded network. The partnership discussions include deepening their codeshare and frequent flyer programs, enabling both airlines to enter new markets. Etihad is also exploring a potential wet lease operation with an Air Europa aircraft between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, further integrating their operations. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasised the airlines’ commitment to offering customers a seamless travel experience and access to Air Europa’s extensive Latin American network. Air Europa’s General Manager, Richard Clark, highlighted the advantages of extending operations between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, unlocking new routes across the Middle East and Asia. The enhanced cooperation will not only elevate passenger convenience but also reinforce Air Europa’s presence in key international markets. Currently, Etihad and Air Europa share a codeshare agreement and allow frequent flyer members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Strengthening their alliance will bolster Air Europa’s reach in Asia and the Middle East while leveraging Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub for expanded global connectivity. This partnership marks a significant step in uniting travel corridors across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond.

Read more

Madhya Pradesh, Hanuwantiya, Mandu, Orchha, Amarkantak: Tourism Expansion Plans Set to Boost Luxury, Heritage, and Adventure Travel

Madhya Pradesh has taken a major leap in positioning itself as a premier global tourism destination by unveiling significant investments, infrastructure expansions, and sustainable tourism initiatives at the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025. The event, held on February 25 in Bhopal, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brought together over 200 companies from 50 countries, all eager to explore new opportunities in the region’s growing tourism sector. The summit introduced an ambitious roadmap aimed at attracting high-value tourism investments, integrating digital innovation, and developing eco-friendly projects. With 1,000 hectares now earmarked for tourism-focused ventures, including hotels, resorts, adventure hubs, and heritage projects, the state is moving toward an era of tourism-led economic transformation. Transforming Madhya Pradesh into a Global Tourism Hub Government officials emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is ready to compete with leading international travel destinations by introducing policies that encourage both domestic and foreign investments. At the core of these initiatives is the Tourism Policy 2025, which offers capital grants ranging from 15% to 30% for tourism projects exceeding INR 1 billion under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Key tourism destinations such as Hanuwantiya, Mandu, Orchha, and Amarkantak are set to benefit from this policy, as the government aims to modernize travel infrastructure while preserving the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Officials stressed that this pro-business approach will make Madhya Pradesh an attractive destination for international hotel chains, tour operators, and investors looking to expand into the growing Indian tourism market.

Read more

Saudi Arabia Ramadan Travel In 2025 Surges To New Heights

Saudi Arabia Ramadan 2025 travel surges as Wego unveils soaring bookings, luxury stays, solo trips, and key trends shaping 2025 As Ramadan 2025 approaches, Saudi travelers are embracing a surge in travel—from spiritual journeys for Umrah to luxury retreats and solo adventures. Wego’s latest insights highlight key trends shaping Saudi travel behavior this season while offering early projections for 2026. Explosive Growth in Ramadan Travel Bookings The holy month has always been a peak travel period for Saudi residents, and this year is no exception. Wego data reveals a staggering 131.69% month-over-month spike in travel bookings, signaling heightened enthusiasm for both domestic and international trips. Top International Destinations: Egypt, India, and Pakistan continue to be the most sought-after locations, driven by cultural and familial connections. Top Domestic Choices: Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam dominate local travel, catering to spiritual, family, and leisure experiences. March is expected to drive peak bookings, reinforcing the significance of Ramadan as a pivotal travel season. The Rise of Mobile-First Travel Planning Technology is reshaping how Saudis plan their trips, with 62% of all Ramadan 2025 bookings made via the Wego app. The convenience of real-time booking, itinerary management, and AI-driven travel recommendations is fueling a shift toward mobile-first travel planning. As Saudi travelers gear up for Ramadan 2025 and beyond, comfort, spirituality, and flexibility define their evolving preferences. With luxury stays, solo adventures, and digital travel planning taking precedence, the landscape of Ramadan travel continues to transform.

Read more

Karnataka Sets A New Benchmark In Tourism With Seaplanes And Revolutionary 3D Experiences

Karnataka is gearing up to enhance its tourism sector with the launch of seaplane services connecting prominent destinations such as Hampi and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS). In addition to this aviation boost, the state government is developing a multilingual tourism website and immersive 3D virtual tours of iconic heritage sites. These initiatives aim to offer global travelers a more engaging and accessible experience of Karnataka’s rich cultural and historical treasures. Karnataka is set to revolutionize its tourism sector with the introduction of seaplane services, enhancing connectivity to key destinations such as Hampi, Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), and the Almatti backwaters. By integrating this innovative mode of transport, the state aims to provide visitors with seamless access to some of its most iconic attractions, further solidifying its status as a must-visit destination. In a parallel effort to attract global visitors, the government is developing a multilingual tourism website designed to offer comprehensive information in multiple foreign languages. This platform, being created in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to streamline travel planning for international tourists, making Karnataka’s diverse offerings more accessible to a global audience. At the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outlined the state’s ambitious plans to enhance tourism infrastructure. The expo served as a platform for B2B meetings, where industry experts discussed strategies for improving travel and tourism in Karnataka. Beyond seaplane services, the government is also focusing on strengthening other transport networks, including rail and road connectivity, ensuring that visitors can explore Karnataka’s top attractions with ease. These forward-thinking initiatives underscore Karnataka’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier travel destination, offering both domestic and international visitors a richer, more immersive experience of its cultural and natural wonders. In a groundbreaking step toward digital tourism, Karnataka has introduced its first-ever 3D virtual tour of heritage sites, spearheaded by Tourism Minister HK Patil. This initiative features immersive 3D films showcasing 20 to 30 temples and historical landmarks safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). By leveraging this advanced technology, people across the globe can now explore Karnataka’s rich cultural and historical heritage remotely, offering a unique way to experience its legacy without the need for physical travel. By seamlessly blending innovation with improved accessibility, Karnataka is revolutionizing the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors. The introduction of seaplane services, a multilingual tourism website, and interactive virtual tours will enhance connectivity and engagement, drawing a larger global audience to the state’s attractions. These efforts not only aim to boost tourism but also to spotlight Karnataka’s breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted cultural heritage, reinforcing its position as a premier travel destination.

Read more

Kolkata Metro Rolls Out High-Tech Multi-Ticket QR Revolution for Faster Travel

In a bid to enhance passenger convenience, Kolkata Metro is set to upgrade its ticketing system starting February 28. The new system will allow commuters to purchase up to seven QR-based paper tickets in a single transaction, a significant improvement from the existing rule that permitted only one ticket per purchase. This upgrade aims to streamline the ticketing process, reducing congestion at counters and minimizing wait times, particularly during peak hours. The previous limitation often led to long queues, causing delays for travelers. With the new system in place, passengers can buy multiple tickets in one go, making it especially beneficial for groups and frequent commuters. Enhanced Ticketing System Coverage The multi-ticket purchase option will be rolled out across most metro lines, excluding the Purple Line (Joka-Majerhat). The updated system will be applicable on the following routes: Blue Line (Dakshineswar to New Garia) Orange Line (New Garia to Ruby Crossing) Green Line (Howrah Maidan to Esplanade) Passengers using the Purple Line will continue with the existing single-ticket transaction method until further updates. A Step Towards Smarter Urban Transit The introduction of this improved ticketing system is part of Kolkata Metro’s continuous modernization efforts to enhance commuter experience. By facilitating bulk ticket purchases, the metro service aims to reduce transaction times and decongest ticket counters, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey for passengers. Kolkata Metro: Pioneering Urban Transit As India’s first metro system, operational since 1984, Kolkata Metro has played a crucial role in transforming urban transportation. Serving as a lifeline for millions, it continues to expand and adopt modern technologies to improve efficiency and accessibility. This latest ticketing upgrade represents yet another step towards making metro travel faster, more convenient, and commuter-friendly in one of India’s busiest metropolitan cities.

Read more