News

Emirates Introduces Additional Flight Between Colombo and Dubai to Boost Tourism

Emirates, recognized as the world’s leading international airline, is set to introduce an additional scheduled flight between Colombo and Dubai from January 2, 2025. The new EK654/655 service will enhance the airline’s capacity on this popular route by 30%, aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambition to significantly boost tourist arrivals in 2025. Operating six times a week until March 31, 2025, the additional service will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 a.m. (local time) and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake at 4:00 p.m., excluding Wednesdays. The return flight, EK655, will leave Colombo at 10:05 p.m. and reach Dubai at 1:05 a.m. the following day. Starting April 1, 2025, the service will expand to seven weekly flights, adding a Wednesday departure. This flight will leave Dubai at 1:20 p.m. and arrive in Colombo at 7:15 p.m., while the return leg will depart Colombo at 10:05 p.m. and land in Dubai at 12:55 a.m. The additional service will feature a three-class configuration, accommodating up to 360 passengers. The aircraft offers eight luxurious First-Class suites, 42 Business-Class seats, and 310 Economy-Class seats. Passengers will enjoy a premium travel experience with greater flexibility and choice, thanks to the expanded schedule.

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Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj will feature a stunning 2,000-drone light show.

The Mahakumbh 2025 is all set to make history by showcasing the mythological tales of Mahakumbh and Prayagraj at the world’s largest religious gathering in a stunning spectacle. It is for the first time that the tourism department authorities would light up the skies using drones above the Sangam Nose area in the evening, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind visual experience. The drone light show will blend technology with tradition. The event promises to be a memorable global cultural experience for pilgrims and visitors alike. Let’s have a look at 10 things to expect and experience at Mahakumbh 2025: First-ever drone show: It will be the first time that the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department will host a stunning drone light show. It is going to be the showstopper and is all set to add to the spiritual and cultural atmosphere of the event. Location: The drone show will take place at the Sangam Nose area, strategically placed to create a stunning visual experience during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Mahakumbh 2025. Event Dates: The Mahakumbh 2025 will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with final preparations nearing completion. The drone show is just one of the exciting new features being introduced to enhance the experience of the festival.

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China Unveils the Fastest Bullet Train Delivering Exceptional Speed Sustainability

China has unveiled the CR450 EMU, a groundbreaking high-speed train prototype designed to set a new global standard for rail travel. Introduced in Beijing, the CR450 is engineered to achieve an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, positioning it as the fastest high-speed train on the planet. This innovation is expected to redefine connectivity and efficiency for the nation’s sprawling passenger network, delivering faster and more convenient travel experiences. Designed to cut travel times significantly, the CR450 represents a leap forward in rail technology and infrastructure. During testing, the CR450 prototype reached a peak speed of 450 kilometers per hour. It excels in key performance areas such as energy efficiency, noise reduction, operational stability, and braking precision, achieving international acclaim for setting new benchmarks. The CR450 is a step above its predecessor, the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains, which operate at a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour. This next-generation model is engineered with a 22 percent reduction in operational resistance and a 10 percent lighter structure, marking significant advancements in design and efficiency. These innovations underline a bold commitment to advancing domestic technology while fostering a greater degree of self-reliance in high-speed rail systems. With these breakthroughs, the CR450 is expected to elevate the country’s position as a global leader in rail transportation.

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Murree's Glass Train Project to enhance tourism and connectivity by 2025.

The Murree Tourist Glass Train project is gaining significant attention, with its feasibility study for the first phase expected to be completed by April 30, 2025. The project is being regarded as a strategic initiative with the potential to extend further, possibly connecting Murree to Muzaffarabad. The feasibility study, conducted by the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak), is a critical milestone. Upon its approval by relevant authorities, the project will move to the international tendering stage, with plans to implement it through a public-private partnership model. A similar concept was explored during the Kashmir Railway initiative, where the second phase of this project was previously studied. Drawing inspiration from India’s Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link, the Murree Glass Train aims to enhance connectivity and tourism in the region.

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China’s new visa policy overhaul fuels surge in global travel

The travel trend to China has gained major momentum, largely driven by the country's expanding visa-free policy. From crowded streets in Shanghai to tourists flocking to Chongqing, the surge in foreign visitors has made "China travel" a global phenomenon. As per Qunar, a major Chinese online travel agency, the number of foreign travellers booking domestic flights has nearly tripled compared to 2023, with top travellers from the US, Russia, Canada, South Korea, and Australia. The most notable change is the extension of visa-free stays to five inland provinces—Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guizhou, and Hainan—giving tourists more regions to explore. Other provinces like Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi also see extended stay areas, allowing tourists to access more parts of the country. The relaxation of China’s visa-free transit policy on December 17 is expected to further boost international tourism. The new policy enables a stay of up to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible travelers, a significant increase from the previous 72 and 144-hour options. This change is anticipated to encourage deeper exploration of China, particularly its lesser-known cities that are rich in cultural heritage. These small and medium-sized cities are predicted to become more popular among travelers seeking to experience authentic Chinese culture away from the crowded tourist hubs.

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Bangladesh’s largest railway opens revolutionizing connectivity

Bangladesh’s largest railway, the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project (PBRLP), officially opened to traffic on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone for the country. The inaugural train, adorned with colorful balloons and ribbons, arrived at Dhaka station to celebrate the occasion. Constructed by China Railway Group Limited (CREC) and funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, the PBRLP is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bangladesh. Spanning approximately 170 kilometers, the railway—locally known as the “Dream Road”—connects the capital Dhaka to the southwestern city of Jashore. The new railway line slashes travel time between Dhaka and Jashore from 10 hours to just three, a game-changer for millions of commuters and businesses.

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