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Maldives’ Muizzu on India visit to mend ties amid thinning tourist influx

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu received a red carpet welcome during his first state visit to India on Monday, a trip intended to mend the fragile relations between the two South Asian neighbors. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on his five-day visit to India, which assumed power a year ago with a pledge to remove the Indian troops stationed in his strategically located archipelago. According to the External Affairs Ministry, Muizzu and PM Modi will discuss “bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.” During his visit to India, Muizzu will meet with senior Indian officials. Tensions have escalated between India and the Maldives since the pro-China Muizzu won the presidency, defeating India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Muizzu had promised to remove Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives for humanitarian assistance. In May, New Delhi replaced many of these soldiers with civilian experts. The situation worsened when Muizzu visited China before India in January, which was perceived as a slight to New Delhi. Upon returning, he outlined plans to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India for healthcare, medicines, and essential imports.

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Namo Bharat Rapid Trains To Roll Out In Bengaluru Soon, Set To Link Mysuru, Tumakuru

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Namo Bharat trains will soon be introduced in Bengaluru, aiming to enhance connectivity between the city and its neighboring towns. The minister stated that the government is planning to launch these semi-high-speed trains between Bengaluru-Tumakuru and Bengaluru-Mysuru. The Namo Bharat trains, being manufactured at Bengaluru's Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), are designed to reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between the suburbs and the main city. The introduction of these trains is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to improve commuter experience. "Bengaluru is growing at a tremendous pace, and our government is committed to making train transport efficient in the tech capital," Vaishnaw said. Along with the suburban rail project, we are also planning to introduce brand-new Namo Bharat trains in the city. These trains will provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between Bengaluru and surrounding cities." The minister also highlighted that the new train services would help alleviate the increasing traffic issues in Karnataka's capital, reports Hindustan Times.

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India to become 4th largest tourism economy by 2034

T3’s interview with Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director-Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) delves into the transformative forces at play, including Asia’s growing influence and a noticeable shift towards sustainable tourism. Notably, India, with its rapidly developing infrastructure and burgeoning middle class, is positioning itself as a global tourism leader. Ortiguera underscores that a crucial strategy for the country’s tourism future is rooted in capacity building and the integration of sustainable practices. As she prepares to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming ITB Asia in Singapore, she also highlights key global travel trends and asserts that the future of travel presents exciting opportunities, with India poised to lead this evolution. Q: How do you envision the economic recovery of the global tourism sector, and what role do you think emerging markets, such as India, will play in this resurgence? The global tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery, and the Asia-Pacific region is set to lead this resurgence over the next decade. According to WTTC’s Economic Impact Report, the Travel & Tourism sector has returned to 2019 GDP levels, and we project robust growth in this region, from US$3.2 trillion this year to US$5.8 trillion over the next decade, a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. Emerging markets, like India, will be instrumental in driving this momentum. India’s contribution to this recovery is especially exciting. The country is set to become the world’s fourth-largest tourism economy by 2034, moving up from its current position as the eighth largest. This growth is fuelled by several factors: expanding infrastructure, including new airports and modernised rail systems; a rising middle class with increasing disposable income; and a domestic travel boom that is unlocking new destinations within India itself. With its rich cultural heritage and growing travel appetite, India is poised to play a leading role in shaping global tourism’s future. As it continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable, inclusive growth, India will not only attract more international visitors but also set a new benchmark for emerging markets worldwide.

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Asia's longest double-decker flyover inaugurated in Nagpur

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently inaugurated Asia's longest double-decker flyover in Nagpur. This record-breaking newly constructed flyover is located near the Gaddigodam Gurudwara on National Highway. If reports are to go by, the new flyover features a unique four-tier structure, which is also the first of its kind in Asia. The 5.6-kilometre double-decker flyover, stretching from LIC Square to Automotive Square on Kamptee Road, was a collaboration between Maha Metro and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Before this flyover, the record was held by Wardha Road flyover, also in Nagpur, measuring 3.14-kilometres. The flyover comprises a Metro line at the topmost level, followed by a vehicular flyover, a railway track below, and a road at the base. With this new flyover around, the 20-kilometre distance from Kamptee to Nagpur airport will now be covered in just 20 minutes. Gadkari lauded Nagpur's ongoing infrastructure advancements, particularly in terms of Metro and flyover projects. If reports are to go by, talks are also going on for redevelopment of the Gaddigodam Market area to facilitate smoother traffic flow and ease congestion in the surrounding regions. The inauguration of Asia’s longest double-decker flyover is a testament to modern engineering and innovation. By addressing the evolving transportation needs of a growing urban population, the project blends functionality with design, setting a new standard for infrastructure development in India. Nagpur, from the tourism point of view, is a fascinating city to check out in Maharashtra. The city of Nagpur is also known as the "Orange City," thanks to its thriving citrus industry. Nagpur oranges are iconic, so much so that, in 2014, the famous Nagpur oranges were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

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Mumbai Metro-3 Runs On ‘Made In India’ Coaches

The Mumbai Metro-3 or Aqua Line, which opened to public on Monday, is using the train sets developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 31 modern, lightweight trains have been built for Metro-3, each consisting of 8 cars with a capacity to carry 2,500 passengers. These state-of-the-art coaches, designed at Alstom’s engineering centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and manufactured at its state-of-the-art rolling stock facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, showcase the country’s growing expertise in advanced manufacturing and engineering. So far, 24 train sets have already been delivered to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), with more on the way. The coaches are packed with cutting-edge technology and innovative features, all designed to provide a world-class commuting experience for Mumbaikars. With over 1.6 million daily commuters expected to use the Metro-3, these trains will significantly ease the burden on the city’s public transport system.

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Hyatt India and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Redefine Cultural Partnership

Hyatt India today announced a strategic collaboration with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a first-of-its-kind, multi-disciplinary cultural space in the sphere of arts. The collaboration will provide World of Hyatt members exclusive access to a range of unique experiences and privileges at NMACC from across the globe. The collaboration marks a significant step in Hyatt’s commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality that goes beyond guest experiences at the hotels. It will cater to the evolving needs of the hotel’s discerning clientele by offering thoughtfully curated moments in the realms of art, culture, and fine dining. True to the Cultural Centre’s vision of showcasing the best of India and the world, World of Hyatt members will be able to enjoy an array of extraordinary experiences from across the globe. This collaboration will offer members exclusive access to travelling international musicals at The Grand Theatre, tours of SWADESH by Reliance Foundation — an India-inspired art and craft exposition, the Fountain of Joy at the iconic Dhirubhai Ambani Square, diverse culinary offerings, and much more. Thus, highlighting Hyatt's strategic emphasis pillars of Loyalty, Luxury, Leisure, Lifestyle, and Wellness (LLLW), catering to the evolving needs and preferences of guests and members. World of Hyatt rewards guests with personalised experiences, exceptional service, and exclusive benefits across a global portfolio of Hyatt hotels, resorts, and partners. Hyatt also recently announced, ‘Be More Here’, a new brand platform that invites guests, members and customers to lean into the transformative powers of travel and be more present.

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