News

Hong Kong To Shenzhen Metro Launch Transforms Travel

The southern segment of Shenzhen Metro Line 13, connecting Nanshan District to the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, officially commenced operations on December 28, 2024. This checkpoint is a key hub facilitating travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. After a three-month trial phase without passengers, the new line is anticipated to streamline cross-border transit and strengthen ties between the two cities. This fully automated metro line is managed by MTR Corporation in collaboration with MTR Consulting (Shenzhen) Company, China Railway Electrification Bureau (Group) Company, and a Shenzhen municipal government subsidiary. The initial phase spans from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station at the border to Hi-Tech Central Station. Shenzhen Metro Line 13 stretches around 22.4 kilometers, linking Shenzhen Bay Port Station to Gaoxinzhong Station, with 16 stops along the route. During its first phase, operations will be limited to the southern section, serving seven stations with operating hours from 6:30 AM to 11 PM. Once passengers clear the initial checkpoint, they can easily access the metro station for seamless transfers to key destinations such as Luo Hu, Futian, Bao’an, and other areas within mainland China. The metro fare for Line 13 is set at 3 Yuan (approximately HKD 3.19). Uniformed staff are readily available inside and outside the station to assist passengers, while clear signage ensures a hassle-free experience for travelers.

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Guwahati Airport launches new domestic, international routes to Malaysia, and more

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Guwahati, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the globally diversified Adani Group, has seen a remarkable passenger growth in 2024. With a significant surge in domestic and international travel, the Airport successfully managed an impressive 6.26 million passengers including 3.09 million domestic passenger arrivals and 3.17 million domestic passenger departures. Additionally, LGBI Airport has handled 47,578 international passenger arrivals and 38,528 international passenger departures). GIAL also achieved a remarkable milestone with Cargo handling 225 MT of perishable cargo in December 2024. On 12th December, the Airport achieved a single-day record, managing 21,444 passengers, including transit travellers. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of the LGBI Airport's ongoing infrastructure development, enabling seamless and efficient handling of increased passenger volumes. LGBI Airport has also expanded its international route network, introducing direct flights to Paro, Malaysia, and Singapore. These routes have contributed to a significant increase in international passenger traffic and Aircraft Traffic Movements (ATMs).

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Mumbai to Jawaharlal Nehru Port: Electric ferry services to launch in 2025

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to revolutionise the way passengers commute between Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) with the launch of electric ferry services in January 2025. This initiative promises to provide a faster, more comfortable, and eco-friendly travel option for commuters. By significantly reducing travel time, the electric ferries will cut the journey down to just 30-40 minutes, saving up to 20 minutes compared to current ferry services. Not only will this enhance convenience, but the ferries will also ensure a more enjoyable ride with air-conditioned seating, making the trip more pleasant for passengers. This project is part of the Indian government’s broader push towards sustainable transport and green energy solutions, particularly under the "Harit Sagar" or "Green Port" initiative introduced by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPS&W). The Green Port plan is focused on transforming port operations to be more eco-friendly, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047 and increasing the use of renewable energy by 60%. The introduction of electric ferries is a key step in this direction, reducing the carbon footprint of marine transport while providing a modern, sustainable solution to urban mobility challenges. The electric ferries, each constructed from fibre-reinforced polymer material, are designed for both durability and efficiency. With a length of 12 meters, these ferries can travel at speeds of up to 12 knots and accommodate between 20 to 24 passengers per trip. The ferries will operate along two key routes: the Gateway of India to JNP during the regular season, and Bhaucha Dhakka to JNP during the foul season. This dual-route system ensures that passengers have a reliable and hassle-free commuting option year-round.

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First commercial flight set to land at Navi Mumbai airport, IndiGo to operate inaugural flight

MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai airport project is set to cross a major milestone on Sunday as the first-ever commercial aircraft will make a landing on its new runway around noon. IndiGo is expected to operate the inaugural flight into Navi Mumbai airport on December 29, said sources. Commercial airline flights, carrying passengers, is expected to begin around March end, when the Navi Mumbai airport will be commissioned. In October, the Indian Air Force operated inaugural flights to Navi Mumbai airport with an Airbus C-295 aircraft touching down on the brand new runway 08-26. A Sukhoi SU-30 too did a low flypast, prompting a round of applause from the gathered crowd. However, IAF aircraft landings are not the norm for a civil airport. The significant milestone is crossed when a commercial aircraft—the one that carries passengers—makes a landing, testing the new runway, the air navigation services, the landing aids installed on the ground, etc. Officials from CIDCO and Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited will attend the event.

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Electric Engine Rolls Through India's First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge In J&K

An electric engine rolled through India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday. “1st electric engine rolling through Tunnel No. 1 and the Anji Khad Cable Bridge," the Minister posted on X while also sharing the video. This comes a day after the trial run of a tower wagon was conducted at the bridge. The Anji Khad bridge connects the Katra and Reasi sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Once completed, trains from across the country will have direct access to the Kashmir Valley, a development poised to significantly enhance year-round tourism in the region. The Commission for Railway Safety (CRS) is expected to inspect the Katra-Reasi section in the first week of January. This inspection marks the final step before the Railways can initiate train operations on the route.

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IndiGoReach and AAI launch zero waste project at Indore Airport

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