News

Ahmedabad Airport introduces free eco-friendly electric shuttle service

In a recent update, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has introduced a free electric shuttle bus service, aimed at improving convenience for passengers while promoting eco-friendly travel. This service is designed to offer both comfort and safety, with spacious 2x2 seating that ensures ample legroom for passengers. The buses are equipped with automatic ramps to accommodate all passengers, including those with special needs, and feature pneumatic dual doors with a finger protection system for safe and easy boarding. Passenger comfort is prioritized with air-conditioned shuttles, which also feature an advanced air sanitising and bacterial filtration system to maintain a clean environment. Digital clocks inside the buses display the current time, adding convenience for travelers, while 24-inch screens and a premium sound system provide entertainment and information during the journey. Free Wi-Fi connectivity ensures passengers can stay connected throughout their ride. The electric shuttles operate every 30 minutes throughout the week, connecting Terminals 1 and 2. However, the service pauses between 11 pm and 3 am. This new initiative is a part of the airport's commitment to enhancing sustainability and passenger experience. The shuttles are equipped with safety features such as CCTV cameras, GPS trackers, an emergency panic button, and a medical kit, ensuring a secure and safe travel experience for all passengers.

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Malaysia extends visa exemption for Indian travellers to 2026

For Indian travellers planning a trip to Malaysia, there’s good news. The country has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. With this, the nation is offering a significant boost to tourism and economic growth for both countries. In addition to this, travellers are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). These initiatives are aimed at attracting more visitors, driving economic progress, and preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Datuk Awang Alik also said that this extension reflects Malaysia's ambition to become a key travel hub in the region, offering a warm welcome to international visitors while benefiting local businesses tied to the tourism industry. The announcement, made on December 20, 2024, by Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, also aligns with Malaysia’s preparations for its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. The extension mirrors a similar policy for Chinese nationals, allowing both Indian and Chinese citizens to stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days as part of the country’s visa liberalization plan launched on December 1, 2023. Eligibility: Indian and Chinese nationals can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. Purpose: This move is designed to attract more tourists, foster economic growth, and strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism appeal. Duration: The visa exemption is valid until December 31, 2026. Security Measures: The policy ensures national security while boosting tourism.

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Newly opened Delhi-Mumbai Expressway section to boost connectivity

In a recent update, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has significantly added to the transportation with the inauguration of a new stretch on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The section connecting Kota and Bundi in Rajasthan was opened recently and the development is expected to ease travel and improve regional connectivity. It will also offer a major boost to the area's infrastructure and transportation network. This newly opened section is designed to reduce travel time and traffic congestion significantly. What once took hours can now be completed in just 50 minutes. This improvement benefits not only local travelers but also serves as an important part of the larger expressway that connects cities, towns, and villages across India. The enhanced connectivity will contribute to economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services. Moreover, it is expected to boost tourism, improve access to essential services, and promote regional development across the states it serves. Let’s know more about this: Newly opened 80-km stretch: On December 16, 2024, an 80-kilometer section between Kota and Bundi in Rajasthan was opened to the public. This new stretch is designed to drastically reduce travel time in the region.

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Indian Railways gears up for 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains

Indian Railways is stepping into the future of rail travel with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, a new generation of high-speed trains designed for long and medium-distance travel. Currently, 10 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are in the production phase, and the first prototype has already been created, which will soon undergo field trials. This marks a significant leap forward in the modernization of India’s railway network. Alongside the sleeper variants, the manufacturing of 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes has been awarded to technology partners, ensuring a steady flow of these advanced trains in the coming years. The inaugural train has recently been sent from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for loaded trial runs. These trials are scheduled to take place in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, under the supervision of the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The main goal of these trials is to assess critical factors such as the train’s stability, vibration levels, and overall dynamic performance when operating under different load conditions. This will ensure the train meets the necessary standards for safe and efficient passenger service.

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World’s steepest cable car opens in Switzerland

Can’t get enough of Switzerland? The country has a great way to bring you back to the land of unending adventures–the world's steepest cable car officially begins service in Switzerland. If reports are to go by, the cable car provides a direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren. This marks the completion of the first major phase of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project. The new cable car, with a record-breaking gradient of 159.4%, connects the valley floor to the car-free mountain village of Mürren in just four minutes. Covering a height of 775 meters over a span of nearly 1,194 meters, it is a feat of engineering. The two cable cars, manufactured by Carvatech in Austria, can transport up to 85 passengers or 6.8 tonnes of cargo per trip, with a maximum capacity of 800 people per hour. A standout feature is the 11-meter-long suspension arm, designed to handle the extreme incline. The system incorporates advanced technology, including the AURO (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) system, which uses cameras and sensors to enable driverless operation. A fully automated loading robot manages freight logistics, synchronizing luggage and cargo transport with passengers via an undercarriage container. Simultaneously, the first track of Switzerland's inaugural Funifor cable car was launched on the second section between Mürren and Birg. During the winter, both the old and new cableways will operate in tandem to ensure sufficient transport capacity for ski operations. The second Funifor track is scheduled to open in November 2025.

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Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Workforce to Over 9.5 Million Jobs in Q2 2024

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector employed a total of 959,175 workers in the second quarter of 2024, marking a 5.1% rise compared to the same period in 2023, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) report released on Wednesday. Out of the total workforce, Saudi nationals accounted for 245,905 employees, representing 25.6% of the total, while expatriates comprised 713,270 workers, making up 74.4% of the sector’s labor force. The report further highlighted that 831,076 males were engaged in tourism activities, constituting 86.6% of the total workforce, whereas female workers numbered 128,099, contributing 13.4% during the second quarter of 2024. The average daily room rate in hotels was reported at SR725.5 in Q2 2024, showing a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to Q2 2023. In contrast, serviced apartments and other hospitality options saw their average daily rate climb to SR254.3, a substantial 15.2% increase over the same period. GASTAT observed that employment in the tourism sector made up 5.7% of the nation’s overall workforce during the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a slight decline of 0.2% from the same period in 2023. Within the private sector, the proportion of tourism workers stood at 8.6%, down 0.5% from the corresponding quarter of the previous year. On the hospitality front, hotel room occupancy rates averaged 55.4% during Q2 2024, reflecting a 0.5% increase from Q2 2023. Meanwhile, occupancy rates for serviced apartments and similar facilities rose to 52.4%, an improvement of 1.5% year-on-year.

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