News

Railways sets new conditions, alters course for Silver Line

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Railways will introduce new conditions for approving Kerala's Silver Line semi-high-speed rail project, requiring modifications, including changes in track gauge and alignment. The Railway Board is expected to send a formal letter to the Southern Railway and the state government soon. With these changes likely to alter the foundational design and budget of the project, how the state will address these demands is still unclear. The Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) authorities have stated that they will respond only after receiving the official correspondence. Earlier, a similar letter was issued to Kerala by the Railways, and the KRDCL has submitted a detail reply following a joint inspection of the railway land identified for the project. The Railways' broader plan is to dedicate tracks for the high-speed Vande Bharat Express and goods trains while reserving existing lines for slower services. If a speed track allowing 180 km/h is constructed, the Vande Bharat trains can cover the 587 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod in just 3.5 hours. Although there is a huge demand for Vande Bharat trains in Kerala, adding more and operating them along with the slower services is impractical due to the limited track capacity.

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Bengaluru Metro’s Green Line extension to open on Nov 7

The move comes after it received statutory clearance following a thorough inspection of the stretch by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (Southern Circle) on October 3. On Wednesday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar inspected the metro line and took a test run of the stretch from Nagasandra to Madavara by travelling from Yeshwanthpur Metro Station. He was also joined by Bengaluru South MP and BJP leader Tejasvi Surya. According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), this line, an elevated metro corridor under Phase-2 of the Project, is from Nagasandra to Madavara (BIEC) for a length 3.14 km and consists of three metro stations -- Majunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu and Madavara (BIEC). It is completed at a cost of ₹1,168 crore which includes land cost of Rs152 crore. "It is the smallest extension to Phase-1 under Phase-2 of the Project. With completion of this extension, all the extensions to Phase- 1 under Phase-2 of the project are complete," the BMRCL said in a statement. Running along the National Highway, it crosses the NICE (Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises) road at two locations. This extension line will enhance easy metro access to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a major exhibition hub, large residential complexes and nearby towns thereby saving travel time to an extent of 30 per cent, it said. "It is estimated that with this line opening, an additional 44,000 passengers will be benefitted. This extension will provide direct metro access to BIEC which is a major centre for National and International conferences and exhibitions in Karnataka," the BMRCL stated.

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Thailand offers Indians indefinite visa-free entry

Thailand has granted indefinite visa-free entry to Indian nationals, with visitors now allowed to stay in the country. According to the new policy, Indian travellers will now be allowed to stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. Under the changes, you can extend your visit by 30 days through a local immigration office. With the new rules in place, this is the perfect time to choose the popular Southeast Asian country as your next holiday destination. Situated in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai often get neglected for the popular and touristy destinations in the country. However, they should be a part of your itinerary for the rich culture, night markets, gorgeous temples, and some peace away from the bustling touristy destinations. Some must-visit places are the White Temple, Chiang Rai's Night Market, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Blue Temple. While you are there, don't miss out on cafes serving the best food, views and coffee. If done right, Bangkok will stimulate your senses in a way that will make you want to keep coming back. The Thai capital is a cultural oasis with its many spectacular temples (Wat Arun is a must-visit for sunrise/sunset), bustling night markets, unassuming Chinese mansions, cruises down the Chao Phraya River, the epic hotel scene, and exhilarating urban energy. Moreover, one cannot forget Bangkok's Chinatown, which is easily a foodie’s dream! You will also get your Insta-worthy shots here. With its pristine waters, white sand beaches and stunning verdant jungles, Ko Phi Phi is a traveller's paradise. Phi Phi Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Therefore, it makes sense for you to do some island hopping while travelling there. Some must-see attractions here are the Viking Cave, Phi-Phi viewpoint, Maya Bay, Pi Leh Bay, Bamboo Island, and Hat Phak Nam. Whether you are searching for finger-licking good seafood, bustling night scenes, relaxing spa joints or pristine beaches where you can doze off in a hammock, Koh Samui has it all covered for you. Some must-visit places here are the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, Na Muang Waterfall, Fisherman's Village, Wat Phra Yai, and Chaweng Beach.

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Indian Railways to Launch ‘Super App’ for Ticket Booking and Food Orders

Indian Railways is getting ready to launch a single "super app" that would offer travellers a variety of necessary services on one easy-to-use platform. The new application will serve as an umbrella platform, bringing together all railway services in one place. It will let users purchase platform passes, book tickets, and track train timetables, among other features, which should make travelling easier. With the goal of integrating a variety of services that were previously dispersed across several applications, the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is working with IRCTC's current infrastructure to construct the app. IRCTC will remain the main interface via which passengers access these services in spite of this integration. The super app's development is still under progress. Currently, railway passengers rely on separate platforms for various needs, such as IRCTC Rail Connect for ticketing, IRCTC eCatering Food on Track for meal orders, Rail Madad for feedback, UTS for unreserved tickets, and the National Train Enquiry System for real-time train information. The new super app seeks to centralise these services, creating a streamlined and user-friendly experience for millions of railway users.

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SATTE 2025 draws strong response, launching SATTE Connect and roadshows

SATTE Connect in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, aims to strengthen ties between key stakeholders in India’s travel and tourism sector. In addition, SATTE will organize eight road shows across other key markets in India. SATTE (South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange), the leading travel and tourism trade show in South Asia, announces that SATTE 2025 will feature SATTE Connect in three major cities – Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, accompanied by eight road shows across the country. These initiatives have already garnered an overwhelming response from the travel and tourism industry. SATTE Connect aims to strengthen ties between key stakeholders in India’s travel and tourism sector, fostering business opportunities and driving future growth. The three-city event will serve as a platform for face-to-face meetings, business collaborations, and networking opportunities, enhancing the business prospects of participants. In addition to these events, SATTE will organize eight road shows across other key markets in India, bringing together travel agents, tour operators, and industry professionals to further enhance collaboration and expand the sector’s potential.

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Thiruvananthapuram is India's first city to win global sustainability award

Thiruvananthapuram has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by being awarded the UN-Shanghai global award for sustainable development, making it the first Indian city to receive this prestigious recognition. This accolade, presented by UN Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality, celebrates cities worldwide for their outstanding achievements in sustainability, governance, and innovation. The award ceremony took place in Alexandria, Egypt, where Mayor Arya Rajendran and Rahul Sharma, the CEO of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram, accepted the honor on behalf of the city. Thiruvananthapuram was selected from a pool of candidates after a thorough analysis of its unique challenges, resources, and sustainable urbanization efforts. This year, five cities were recognized, including Agadir (Morocco), Melbourne (Australia), Doha (Qatar), and Iztapalapa (Mexico). Manaveeyam cultural street: This vibrant area serves as a center for artistic expression and community interaction, showcasing Thiruvananthapuram's dedication to creating public spaces that foster social connections and cultural activities. Electric transportation: To combat carbon emissions, the city has introduced electric buses, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient public transportation system. 115 electric buses and 100 e-autos for unemployed youths signifies a significant shift towards cleaner public transport. The municipality has also procured 35 e-scooters for its operational needs. Integrated Command & Control Center (ICCC): This advanced center utilizes real-time data for effective management of city infrastructure, enhancing the city’s ability to respond to urban challenges.

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