News

5 Road Trips From Noida For A Perfect Weekend Escape

Weekend Getaways Near Noida Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Located within 300 km of Noida, these twin cities offer a perfect blend of spirituality and serenity. Enjoy the holy Ganga aarti, take a dip in the sacred river, and visit iconic temples for a soul-soothing experience. Alwar, Rajasthan Situated about 200 km away, Alwar boasts old-world charm with attractions like the Alwar Fort, Siliserh Lake Palace, and Sariska Tiger Reserve. A must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand A wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, this national park is around 300 km from Noida. Enjoy safaris, explore lush greenery, and pair your trip with a visit to nearby Nainital for a scenic retreat. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Around 400 km from Noida, Shimla offers colonial architecture, toy train rides, trekking, and paragliding. Perfect for a rejuvenating escape into the Himalayan hills. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh Just 200 km away, these holy towns are ideal for a spiritual getaway. Explore ancient temples, immerse yourself in Krishna’s lore, and savor unique local delicacies.

Read more

Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Alternate Route To Mussoorie To Be 50km Longer To Avoid Jams In Dehradun

The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is nearing completion and is expected to be operational by January, reducing travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to just 2.5-3 hours. However, this development is likely to increase traffic in the Uttarakhand capital, prompting the traffic directorate to devise a comprehensive traffic management plan. Currently, Mussoorie experiences traffic movement of 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles during weekends or the tourist season. With the expressway opening, this figure is anticipated to rise to 20,000–25,000 vehicles daily, which could lead to severe congestion in Dehradun. To address this, the traffic directorate has devised a special route, requiring tourists to cover an additional 50 km to reach Mussoorie.

Read more

Kankaria Carnival 2024: Where tradition meets modern development in Ahmedabad

The 15th annual Kankaria Carnival in Ahmedabad kicked off with an extravagant ceremony, signaling the start of the Nagarotsav celebrations. Held at the renowned Kankaria Lake, the event was highlighted by mesmerizing light and sound shows, as well as a captivating drone display themed around a developed India. This vibrant festival not only showcases the city's rich heritage but also celebrates its progress. During the inauguration, the Chief Minister shared the story of Kankaria Lake's transformation from a simple zoo, formerly known as Lake Kantha, to a thriving cultural hub. The rejuvenation of the lake, initiated in 2006 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has turned it into a prominent venue for cultural events and community gatherings. In addition to the carnival, the Chief Minister launched 34 major urban development projects worth ₹868 crores. These projects include the construction of 345 houses in Naroda, the creation of new gymnasiums and gardens, and the development of a sewage treatment plant (STP). These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to improving public facilities and infrastructure, aligning with the overall vision of urban growth and citizen welfare.

Read more

A journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on track

SRINAGAR: The long-awaited train service from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is about to become a reality. This follows the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) inspecting the 17 km Katra-Reasi stretch of the 65 km Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link on January 5, 2025. This is a vital link connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country. PM Narendra Modi is likely to dedicate it to the nation on January 26. “Of the 65-km long Katra-Sangaldan, the Reasi-Sangaldan part including Reasi Station has been completed. Only a 17 km stretch between Katra and Sangaldan which has the iconic Anji Khad bridge is pending CRS inspection. All of them together will be inaugurated together by the PM,” said K Sainath Reddy, executive engineer of Konkan Railway at Reasi Station. Anji Khad Bridge, which connects two tunnels between Katra and Reasi station is India’s first cable-stayed bridge is 473.35 meters long. Katra is the last railway station on the Jammu side where people get down for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. “The bridge has support of 96 cables having cable lengths varying from 82 meters to 295 meters,” said Sjuo Kumar Deputy Chief Engineer (Bridges) of Konkan Railways. After Reasi, comes Bakkal, and thereafter comes Kanthan Chenab Railway Station. Before the station is Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. “The height of this arch bridge is 359 meters above the riverbed. It is taller than the Statue of Unity, which is 182 meters, and the Eiffel Tower, which stands at a height of 330 metres,” said RR Mallick, Deputy CE of Chenab Bridge.

Read more

Dubai Metro Offers 43 Hours of Nonstop Service for New Year’s Eve

As the clock ticks toward 2025, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is stepping up to ensure your New Year’s Eve travels are smooth and stress-free. Skip the chaos of traffic jams and road closures—this year, the Dubai Metro will operate nonstop for an impressive 43+ hours, making it the ultimate choice for navigating the city’s festivities. Kicking off at 5 a.m. on December 31 and running continuously through January 1, the Dubai Metro offers a reliable and hassle-free way to travel across the city. Extended hours ensure easy access to top celebration spots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Global Village. For even more convenience, the Dubai Tram will be in service from 6 a.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 2, connecting key locations such as JBR and other vibrant areas. If you’re planning to visit Dubai Mall, keep in mind that the Metro station may close from 5 p.m. on December 31 if it reaches full capacity. In that case, nearby stations like Business Bay will be your best bet for hassle-free access. With these measures in place, getting around the city has never been more convenient! To make your New Year’s Eve travels as smooth as possible, Dubai’s RTA has implemented a range of measures, including extended transport hours, road signs, and intelligent systems to direct commuters to parking spots, bus pick-up zones, and alternative routes. These thoughtful additions ensure you can focus on the celebrations without worrying about logistics. To ease congestion and enhance your travel experience, Dubai’s RTA is deploying an impressive fleet of 1,400 additional buses, all available free of charge. These extra buses are set to provide seamless alternatives, ensuring you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey even during peak times.

Read more

Vietnam's New Luxury Railway: "La Reine" Tourist Train

Vietnam Railways Corporation has marked a significant milestone with the launch of the high-quality “La Reine” (Queen) tourist train at Da Lat Station in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. The inauguration, held on December 24, coincided with the vibrant 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, enhancing the celebration with a new travel experience on the Da Lat – Trai Mat route. Inspired by the grandeur of Queen Nam Phuong’s Palace—the last queen of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty—the “La Reine” tourist train is an architectural masterpiece. Its design blends the sophistication of Indochinese and French styles, reflecting the historical and cultural richness of Da Lat. The train offers technical upgrades for enhanced comfort, providing passengers with a seamless fusion of luxury and tradition. VIP compartments, each equipped with 12 seats, cater to families seeking private travel spaces. These bespoke features ensure that passengers experience the utmost comfort while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Central Highlands. The train’s luxurious design and attention to detail set it apart as a premium travel option in Vietnam. The “La Reine” train’s launch comes in response to increasing demand for high-quality transport services on the Da Lat – Trai Mat route. In 2024, the route saw significant growth, with 3,050 trips conducted, marking a 69% increase from the previous year. The train carried 276,567 passengers, a remarkable 75% rise compared to 2023.

Read more