News

India’s First Indigenous Bullet Trains Set To Roll By 2026

State-owned BEML will build India's first indigenously manufactured bullet trains for Rs 866.87 crore. In a statement on Tuesday (15 October), BEML said that it has been "awarded a contract for the design, manufacturing, and commissioning of two high-speed trainsets, each comprising 8 cars by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai". "The price of each car is Rs 27.86 crore and the total contract value is Rs 866.87 crore which includes design cost, one-time development cost, non-recurring charges, onetime cost towards Jigs, fixtures, tooling and testing facilities, which will be utilised for all future High-Speed projects in India," the company said. BEML said that the project marks a significant milestone in India's high-speed rail journey and will see the first indigenously designed and manufactured trainsets with a test speed of 280 kmph. The trainsets will be built at BEML's Bengaluru rail coach complex and are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. The trainsets will be built at BEML's Bengaluru rail coach complex and are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. Featuring a fully air-conditioned, Chair Car configuration, the trains will offer modern passenger amenities such as reclining and rotatable seats, special provisions for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems. This comes as India's first high-speed rail corridor - the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project - is expected to begin operations in Gujarat by the end of 2027, and the entire corridor is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Read more

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary set to become India’s next Cheetah haven after Kuno!

As per the latest development, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary will see cheetahs being reintroduced in a move to promote tourism in the region. This was announced by Mandsaur Collector Aditi Garg, following the inauguration of the Gandhi Sagar Forest Retreat 3.0 event. And if this goes as planned, it will make Gandhi Sagar the second site in India to host cheetahs, after Kuno National Park. The event, organized to boost tourism, began with a sacred 'Aarti' ritual at the Chambal River on Monday evening. Garg added that the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are making all the efforts to ensure better connectivity between Gandhisagar in Madhya Pradesh and Kota in Rajasthan. It’s expected that this initiative will attract more visitors and help unlock the tourism potential of both regions. Discussions between the collectors of Mandsaur and Kota are also planned to further enhance the tourism prospects of the areas. According to Garg, transformative initiatives are underway in Gandhi Sagar, including the introduction of cheetahs, which will make it only the second site in the country to house the species after Kuno. Garg also mentioned about the rich archaeological and cultural legacy of this region, which included some of the popular highlights like Pashupatinath Temple, Chaturbhuj Nala, and Hinglaj Temple. Since tourists get a beautiful mix of historical value and scenic beauty, these landmarks further enhance the area's allure.

Read more

Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Jan Shatabdi sports refurbished coaches, more facilities

As new age trains captivate travellers with modern amenities, the Railways unveiled a revamped Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Jan Shatabdi on Wednesday. With updated German coaches, efficient fans, improved spacing and leak-free coaches, the train left for its first service from Thiruvananthapuram at 2.50 pm. Passengers had reported several issues with the train (12082) that passes through Kottayam, including inoperable windows, leaks, limited seating space, and overall congestion. The new train's coaches have safety features designed to protect passengers in an accident. Manorama News reported that passengers suggested enhancing the new coaches by reintroducing features from the older railcars, such as armrests and cup holders for hot beverages.

Read more

Korea Tourism Organization India brings back the Korea Festival 2024

The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 is set to offer an exciting blend of Korean culture, business networking, and entertainment in New Delhi. Organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) of South Korea, the event will take place over three days. It kicks off on October 18, 2024, with a Travel Mart at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, followed by cultural celebrations on October 19-20 at DLF Avenue, Saket. Since its launch in 2017, the Korea Festival has beme a yearly highlight, attracting thousands of visitors with its focus on the K-Wave, cultural exchanges, and festivities. The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 promises to immerse Indian audiences in the diverse attractions and traditions of South Korea. The cultural events will be held from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at DLF Avenue, Saket, offering a rich experience for fans of Korean culture. The Korea Tourism Roadshow 2024, part of the festival, takes place on October 18 as a B2B event at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka. A Travel Mart will run from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring representatives from K-Beauty brand Jenny House, the JUMP performance team, and over 10 destination management companies, along with airline partners like Korean Air and Air India. This event offers Indian travel agents an opportunity to engage with South Korean partners and explore travel offerings. Mr. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director for India & SAARC Countries at KTO, highlighted the growing interest in South Korea among Indian travelers. By August 2024, South Korea had already welcomed over 119,000 Indian visitors. He emphasized that the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 aims to further deepen cultural connections while offering a platform to showcase the best of South Korea’s attractions and experiences.

Read more

Shillong prepares for the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival

Travellers planning a visit to Meghalaya should mark their calendars for November 15-16, as Shillong gears up for the much-anticipated Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. This annual event, celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and cultural attractions, will take place at the Madan Kurkalang Stadium in Bhoirymbong, RI Bhoi District, Shillong. The festival transforms the city into a scene straight out of a postcard, adorned with vibrant pink and white cherry blossoms. Every year, during mid-November, Shillong comes alive as cherry trees bloom, painting the city in soft shades of pink and white. This stunning natural display, paired with the comfortable weather, creates the perfect setting for visitors to explore the outdoors. Whether strolling through the streets or attending the festival, it’s an ideal time to experience Shillong’s natural charm. The two-day Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival promises a thrilling musical experience with an impressive line-up of international and Indian artists. Headliners for this year include global music stars like Akon, Boney M, R3HAB, Queen Sensation, and Korn Sk alongside Indian talents such as Jasleen Royal and Kanika Kapoor. The festival will also feature performances from local favourites like Great Society, and Jessie Lyngdoh. The Cherry Blossom Festival has become a hallmark event in the region, drawing large crowds every year. Up to 30,000 visitors are expected daily, drawn not only by the music but also by the unique cultural elements that the festival offers. This year’s event will feature a special Japanese village within the festival grounds, offering a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. From traditional crafts to food stalls, the village aims to bring a slice of Japan to Shillong, enhancing the multicultural vibe of the festival.

Read more

Nagaland Tourism to host 3rd edition of Autumn Festival in New Delhi

Nagaland Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is set to host the third edition of the Autumn Festival from October 18 to 20. The festival will take place at the lawns of Nagaland House in New Delhi, providing a unique opportunity for Delhi residents to experience the spirit of Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival. Following the success of the first two editions, the Tourism Department is bringing back the Autumn Festival with increased enthusiasm, extending it to three days this year. This event is designed to offer a preview of the Hornbill Festival, especially for those unable to travel to Nagaland, while also providing insights for those planning to attend the main event. Shri Temjen Imna Along, Honourable Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, expressed his excitement about the upcoming festival. He stated, “Nagaland is all set to host the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival but before the mega event, our objective is to offer an immersive experience for individuals who are unable to attend in Nagaland through the Autumn Festival. Simultaneously, we aim to enhance the understanding of those who intend to travel for the festival, ensuring they know what to expect. This effort also helps to foster friendships and cultivate a sense of familiarity with each other’s cultures. Given that Delhi is the capital and a melting pot of diverse communities and cultures, it is an ideal location for this festival." The three-day Autumn Festival will feature a diverse range of Nagaland’s culture, showcasing businesses, artists, and traditions. Festival goers will be able to enjoy a variety of Naga cuisines, handicrafts, textiles, art, and music.

Read more