News

Indian Railways Adds Special Trains as Patna Prepares for Holi Travel Rush

As the Holi festival approaches, Patna is bracing for a significant surge in passenger traffic, with thousands of travelers set to return to the city to celebrate the vibrant festival with their families. To manage this influx, Indian Railways has introduced a series of measures, including special trains and additional coaches on existing services. These steps are designed to ease overcrowding, clear waiting lists, and provide a smoother travel experience for passengers. With Patna’s railway stations expected to handle an unprecedented number of travelers, these initiatives aim to ensure that the festive rush is managed efficiently, allowing passengers to enjoy their journeys with minimal disruptions. With the Holi festival fast approaching, Patna is bracing for a massive influx of travelers, as thousands make their way back to their hometowns to celebrate the vibrant festival with family and friends. This annual migration is one of the largest in India, and to manage the increased passenger traffic, Indian Railways has put in place a detailed contingency plan. The goal is to alleviate travel difficulties and provide a smooth experience for all passengers during this peak period. Holi traditionally triggers a large-scale movement of people, particularly from metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, all of which are major hubs for Bihar’s migrant population. As these cities face high demand for train tickets during the festival season, passengers often find themselves without confirmed seats or berths on most regular services. This shortage has created a considerable strain, leaving many travelers facing long waiting lists and limited travel options.

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Sharjah Airport Welcomes Kuwait Travelers with Special Brotherhood Programme

The United Arab Emirates city of Sharjah has created a special greeting for visitors from Kuwait who arrive at the city. The airport in Sharjah provides special hospitality services to honor UAE-Kuwait Relations Week, which runs from 29 January to 4 February 2026 in accordance with the UAE leadership’s vision. The two nations maintain a deep relationship which establishes their ties through mutual respect and shared historical experiences, and continuous partnership. In a grand gesture to celebrate the historical and close ties between the UAE and Kuwait, Sharjah Airport has rolled out a special programme for Kuwaiti travellers arriving at the airport. This initiative, launched on 29 January 2026, includes a festive welcome with dedicated passport control counters, traditional Emirati hospitality, and an array of symbolic gestures designed to make visitors feel right at home. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted with Arabic coffee, a staple of Emirati culture, alongside symbolic gifts that reflect the values of unity and fraternity. The welcome is further enhanced by live folk performances, vibrant displays, and designated photo areas that celebrate the UAE–Kuwait friendship. This initiative aims to not only smoothen the arrival process but also to promote the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.

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Etihad Airways Expands India Partnerships, Turning Everyday Spending into Travel Rewards

India has become a cornerstone of Etihad Airways’ growth strategy, and the airline’s latest expansion of its Etihad Guest loyalty programme clearly explains why. With a dense flight network across multiple Indian cities and a fast-growing base of frequent travellers, Etihad is moving beyond air travel alone by linking everyday spending on banking, shopping, hospitality, and on-demand services directly to flight rewards, making international travel more attainable and loyalty more valuable for Indian customers. India continues to stand out as one of the most strategic markets for Etihad Airways, supported by a strong network of one hundred eighty-five weekly flights connecting eleven Indian cities with Abu Dhabi and beyond. Building on this momentum, the UAE-based carrier has taken a significant step to deepen its engagement with Indian travellers by expanding the reach of its loyalty ecosystem through a new set of local partnerships. Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its Etihad Guest loyalty programme in India, introducing collaborations with five well-known Indian consumer brands spanning banking, hospitality, retail, e-commerce, and on-demand services. The move reflects the airline’s broader strategy of embedding travel rewards into everyday spending habits, allowing members to earn and redeem miles far beyond air travel alone.

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Purnia Airport Crosses 1 Lakh Passengers, Boosting Regional Air Connectivity in Bihar

Purnia Airport crossing the one lakh passenger mark in a matter of months clearly shows how India’s push for regional aviation is reshaping travel access in Bihar, driven by rising demand, faster connectivity, and steady infrastructure upgrades. The rapid uptake of commercial flights reflects growing public confidence, improved road and airport facilities, and the need for quicker links to major cities for business, healthcare, and education. With new parking, better surface access, expanding airside infrastructure, and plans for advanced navigation systems, the airport’s growth is not accidental but the result of targeted investment and strong regional demand coming together at the right time. Purnia Airport has quietly crossed a landmark moment in Bihar’s aviation journey, handling more than one lakh passengers by January 31, 2026. For a regional airport that only began commercial operations in mid-September last year, the pace of growth tells a clear story: air travel is no longer a luxury in this part of the state, but a fast-becoming necessity. Commercial flights started operating from the airport on September fifteen, and within weeks, passenger numbers began to climb steadily. By mid-December, traffic had already crossed the fifty-thousand mark, a level many regional airports take years to reach. The jump to one lakh passengers in just a few months highlights strong demand from the Seemanchal region and neighbouring districts, where long road and rail journeys have traditionally limited mobility.

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Chinese Tourists Flock to Vietnam, Overtaking Thailand with Budget-Friendly Travel

The tourism landscape in Southeast Asia is shifting dramatically as Vietnam rises as a top choice for Chinese travelers, quietly overtaking Thailand. Once regarded as the unrivaled leader in the region, Thailand is now confronting new challenges as younger travelers seek affordability, flexibility, and authentic experiences over traditional group tours. For years, Thailand was the first choice for Chinese visitors. Its reputation for safety, hospitality, and cultural accessibility helped it attract families, couples, and organized travel groups. However, 2025 marked a significant turning point. Vietnam welcomed over 5.3 million Chinese tourists, surpassing Thailand for the first time, while Thailand experienced a 30% drop in arrivals compared with the previous year. This is not merely a temporary fluctuation but a reflection of evolving traveler priorities and shifting perceptions. Safety concerns, political tensions, and the travel preferences of younger generations have begun to reshape the region’s tourism hierarchy. Local businesses, particularly those dependent on Chinese visitors, report declining sales and growing concerns over their survival if these trends persist. Thailand’s decline in appeal is influenced by a combination of security incidents, regional tensions, and political instability. Cross-border criminal activity affecting tourists and occasional border disputes have weakened confidence in Thailand as a reliable destination. At the same time, traditional competitors such as Japan have faced setbacks from geopolitical issues and disrupted flights, opening the door for Vietnam to strengthen its position.

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Singapore Pushes to Become Asia’s Next K-Pop Capital, Drawing Global Stars

Singapore’s bold move to become a K-pop hub is rapidly taking shape, with the city attracting global stars like BTS, Seventeen, and more to perform in iconic venues. This strategic shift is due to Singapore’s world-class infrastructure, strong industry partnerships with K-pop giants like Hybe, and its ability to deliver large-scale events that meet global entertainment standards. By hosting these major concerts, Singapore is not only shaping its identity as a vibrant live entertainment destination but also driving tourism and economic growth, positioning itself as the ultimate spot for K-pop fans and global events alike. Singapore has emerged as the epicentre of K-pop’s growing global presence. The country, known for its world-class infrastructure, safety, and vibrant culture, is becoming a major player in the international live entertainment scene. But how has it transformed into the hotspot for K-pop concerts, and what does this mean for the city’s tourism and economy? K-pop has become a part of daily life in Singapore. The genre, which started in South Korea, has reached new heights, especially after the pandemic. The city-state has seen an enormous surge in K-pop concerts. From BTS to Seventeen, TXT, and Enhypen, these concerts are no longer just events but massive cultural spectacles. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has recognized the importance of K-pop and its economic impact, especially since ticket sales have skyrocketed in recent years.

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