News

KSRTC's double-decker bus to offer an exciting way to explore the city

Good news for Kerala, especially Kochi and culture lovers! In a recent update, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), is all set to introduce an exciting new way for tourists to explore Kochi—an open-top double-decker bus designed to offer a unique "City Tour" experience. This bus, which was previously used for the "Heritage Tour" in Thalassery, has now been relocated to Kochi. This open-top double-decker bus aims to become a new tourist attraction in Kochi, offering both tourists and locals a novel way to discover the city's charm and scenic beauty. KSRTC has already begun conducting route trials to determine the best paths for the service, with one of the suggested routes running from Madhava Pharmacy to Fort Kochi via MG Road. However, there are a few challenges, such as narrow roads and the height of trees and nearby structures that may affect the bus’s smooth operation. The double-decker bus can accommodate up to 70 passengers and has been refurbished for an enhanced touring experience. The seating is designed to provide clear, unobstructed views of the city, particularly ideal for evening and nighttime rides. Additionally, a high-quality audio system will accompany the tour, enriching the experience with interesting commentary. The bus, a throwback to a bygone era with its double-clutch mechanism, has been carefully maintained and upgraded at the Ernakulam main depot to ensure a smooth and safe ride for all passengers. The "City Tour" service is planned to operate after 6 PM, allowing visitors to experience Kochi’s beauty under the evening sky while enjoying the advantage of reduced traffic.

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Western Railway set to launch 13 more AC train services

Western Railway (WR) is all set to introduce 13 additional air-conditioned (AC) train services on its suburban network starting Wednesday (November 27), operating throughout the week, an official announced on Tuesday. These new AC services will replace an equal number of existing non-AC trains on the busy routes, WR said in a statement. With the addition of these 13 new services, the total number of AC trains on WR’s suburban network will increase from 96 to 109 on weekdays, and from 52 to 65 on weekends. Despite this increase in AC services, the total number of suburban services will remain unchanged at 1,406, including the 109 AC services, the release added. Western Railway’s suburban network, which spans 128 kilometers from Churchgate in south Mumbai to Dahanu in Palghar district, serves around 35 lakh commuters daily.

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Indian Railways manufacturing 280 kmph high-speed trains at Rs 28 crore each

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, in collaboration with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is spearheading the design and manufacturing of high-speed train sets with a design speed of 280 kmph. This initiative marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ (IR) commitment to innovation and indigenisation under the “Make in India” initiative. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighted that the manufacturing cost of these high-speed train cars is approximately Rs 28 crore per car (excluding taxes). This cost is significantly competitive when compared to global counterparts. - Aerodynamic Design: Airtight car bodies for enhanced performance. - Propulsion Systems: Advanced electrics tailored for high-speed applications. - Weight Optimisation: Lightweight structures for improved efficiency. - HVAC Systems: State-of-the-art heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning for passenger comfort.

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Madhya Pradesh bags the ‘Best Tourism State of the Year’ award

Great news for Madhya Pradesh! The beautiful destination has been honored with the prestigious “Best Tourism State of the Year” award at the Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards in New Delhi. This is an impressive award in the tourism sector. Madhya Pradesh, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is home to some interesting attractions, from the historic Khajuraho temples to the divine Mahakal temple in Ujjain. The award highlights Madhya Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism appeal, making it a favored destination for both domestic and international travelers. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the senior secretary for tourism and managing director of the MP Tourism Board, expressed that the award would further accelerate the state’s efforts to enhance its tourism experience. The goal is to establish Madhya Pradesh as a leading global tourist destination. The state's tourism department, through focused and strategic initiatives, has worked to improve employment opportunities, enhance accessibility, and upgrade tourism infrastructure. These efforts have significantly contributed to making Madhya Pradesh a top choice for tourists.

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Emirates celebrates AC Milan’s 125th Anniversary with striking A380 Livery

Emirates, the Official Airline Partner and Principal Partner of AC Milan, has unveiled a spectacular A380 livery to commemorate the Rossoneri’s 125th anniversary. Adorned with the club’s iconic red and black stripes, the livery celebrates AC Milan’s legacy of excellence and its global influence on football. The eye-catching design features the club’s badge, including Milan’s flag, the ACM acronym, and the founding year, alongside the “Milan 125” wordmark. On one side of the aircraft, a silhouette of a player in the Emirates ‘Fly Better’ jersey kicking a football symbolizes the dynamic partnership between Emirates and AC Milan, rooted in ambition and innovation. Fans of AC Milan worldwide can spot the special livery as it takes to the skies across Emirates’ network starting November 26. The unique design was conceptualized, produced, and installed entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering’s Aircraft Appearance Centre. Emirates’ relationship with AC Milan began in 2007 with a sponsorship agreement that grew into a prestigious jersey sponsorship during the 2010/2011 season.

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Mangan district in Sikkim welcomes tourists again

Tourists will be allowed in various Himalayan destinations of the Mangan district, including Yumthang, Dikchu, Lachung and the Guru Dongmar Lake, in a staggered manner from December 1, a senior official of the Sikkim government said on Wednesday. Tourism activities were suspended in the district five months ago after heavy rainfall caused severe landslides, damaging various roads and bridges along the North Sikkim Highway. "After examining the current situation and road conditions in Mangan district, it has been decided to allow tourists in a staggered manner," Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Principal Secretary CS Rao said. He said the district administration will work out the modalities for facilitating the movement of the tourists from December 1. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been restoring roads in the district on war footing, officials said.

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