News

Indian Railways to launch Hydrogen train on trial run in December

Come December, Indian Railways will make history with the trial run of its first-ever hydrogen-powered train. Aiming to revolutionise sustainable travel, this eco-friendly marvel will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, covering 90 kilometres at speeds of up to 140 km/h. It’s not just a train—it’s a step toward Indian Railways’ ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. These aren’t your regular diesel-powered locomotives. Hydrogen trains are powered by fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. What’s left behind? Just water and steam—no smoke, no harmful pollutants. Here’s why this is exciting: - No carbon dioxide or nitrogen oxides polluting the air. - Each hydrogen tank powers the train for up to 1,000 kilometres. - A much quieter journey with 60% less noise than diesel engines. - A greener alternative to traditional train technology.

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World Heritage Week :Enjoy free entry to the Taj Mahal and other attractions from Nov 19

World Heritage Week 2024 will begin on November 19. For those planning a trip to Agra, it’s the best time as during this week, visitors will get free entry to all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments in Agra. Visitors can enjoy free entry to the Taj Mahal (tourists will have to pay INR 200 to visit the main dome). Not only this, there will be a series of interesting programmes organised at different locations in the city. Visitors would be able to enjoy free access between 19 and 25 November. This is for the first time that the World Heritage Week will begin at the Sitaram Temple in Soronji, marking the first time this temple has been chosen as the launching venue. This initiative aims to highlight lesser-known heritage sites alongside Agra's renowned monuments. Dr. Rajkumar Patel, a distinguished archaeologist, has outlined the week’s activities, including a photography exhibition tracing the journey of the Ramayana from the Gupta period to the present. The exhibition will be held at multiple locations, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, a new public facility, the Jan Suvidha Kendra, will be inaugurated at the Sitaram Temple to enhance visitor experience.

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India Tourism Development Corporation Reports Strong Q2 with ₹158.83 Cr Revenue, ₹24.43 Cr Profit

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector organization under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has announced its financial performance for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25. During this period, ITDC achieved a total revenue of INR 158.83 crores. The company’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) amounted to INR 24.97 crores, while its Profit After Tax (PAT) reached INR 24.43 crores. Commenting on the performance, Mr. Lokesh Kumar Aggarwal, Director Finance and CFO, ITDC, stated, “This quarter’s results reflect our commitment to efficient operations and service quality. We are focused on the brand’s continued momentum, and the quarter’s figures support our broader objectives within the hospitality, travel and tourism sector.” The second-quarter results underscore ITDC’s consistent market presence and its ability to navigate industry challenges effectively. Growth in key business segments was fueled by increasing market demand and a focus on improving customer experiences. Looking ahead, ITDC is committed to broadening its service portfolio and upgrading infrastructure to align with the dynamic standards of the hospitality and tourism sectors. The corporation aims to solidify its reputation as a reliable provider of hospitality, travel, and tourism services in both domestic and global markets through strategic initiatives and exceptional customer care.

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Singapore Airlines Debuts Exclusive Cristal 2015 Champagne for Premium Passengers

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is raising the bar for in-flight luxury by becoming the world’s only airline to serve the prestigious Cristal 2015 champagne. In an exclusive collaboration with the iconic French champagne house Louis Roederer, SIA will offer this exceptional champagne in its Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins starting December 1, 2024. Cristal 2015, renowned for its extraordinary quality and refined taste, will initially be available on select routes between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo. The champagne will rotate every three months to other Suites and First Class destinations, offering an ever-changing luxury experience for SIA’s elite passengers. Crafted by Louis Roederer’s celebrated cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cristal 2015 is a masterful blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 distinct vineyard plots across seven of the house’s Grand Cru estates. With a focus on sustainable viticulture, meticulous blending, and extended cellar ageing, Cristal 2015 exemplifies a perfect balance of depth, elegance, and sophistication. Elevate your journey with the rare luxury of Cristal 2015, exclusively available to Singapore Airlines’ most discerning travelers. Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.”

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Air India and Tourism Australia Partner to Attract Indian Travelers

Air India and Tourism Australia have signed a three-year marketing agreement to boost Indian tourism to Australia, highlighting the country’s world-class attractions. Air India and Tourism Australia have entered into a three-year marketing agreement aimed at increasing the number of Indian tourists visiting Australia, as the Tata-owned airline expands its presence in the region. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the two organizations collaborate on various marketing initiatives to highlight Australia’s world-class attractions and encourage future travel growth. Air India shared the news in an official press release. Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “The growth in Indian arrivals to Australia has been remarkable in recent years, and we are excited to see this trend continue. This agreement with Air India underlines our dedication to forging stronger partnerships and finding innovative ways to inspire Indian travelers to plan their holidays in Australia. Andrew Hogg, Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager for Eastern Markets and Aviation, emphasized the importance of India as a key tourism market, stating, “India holds great potential, Thrilled to partner with Air India to further enhance Australia’s appeal to Indian leisure and business travelers. This collaboration will help us attract more high-value visitors from one of our most promising markets.”

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Dubai to Launch World’s First Aerial Taxi Service by 2026

Dubai is on track to pioneer urban aerial transport as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has officially approved the development of the city’s first aerial taxi vertiport. This facility, to be located near Dubai International Airport, marks a major step forward in Dubai’s vision for cutting-edge mobility solutions. The project aims to position Dubai as the first city globally with a fully functional network for aerial taxi take-offs and landings, setting the stage for an advanced, urban air transportation system. Designed with a sleek, contemporary style that harmonizes with Dubai’s skyline, the new vertiport aims to deliver a unique, comfortable, and efficient travel experience for passengers. Covering an area of 3,100 square meters, the facility includes specific zones for take-off and landing, aircraft charging stations, an aerial taxi apron, and a parking area. With an annual capacity for approximately 42,000 landings, the vertiport is projected to accommodate around 170,000 passengers each year. Upon his arrival at the RTA headquarters, His Highness was greeted by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, along with senior officials. The event also included Mr. JoeBen Bevert, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, the aerial taxi manufacturer, and Damien Kisly, Head of Infrastructure EMEA at SkyPorts, the company overseeing the vertiport’s design and construction. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed recently attended a presentation showcasing the advanced design of the Aerial Taxi vertiport, crafted to mirror Dubai’s iconic urban landscape and provide a comfortable, seamless travel experience. Equipped with air-conditioned spaces and built to meet the highest global safety standards, the vertiport is designed for maximum passenger convenience. Joby Aviation will lead aircraft manufacturing and manage operations and passenger flow, in partnership with international industry leaders, while Skyports will handle the infrastructure’s design, construction, and operations. The RTA will govern the system, ensuring integration with other modes of transport. The launch of the aerial taxi service is projected for early 2026, with its debut expected in the first quarter.

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