News

A journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on track

SRINAGAR: The long-awaited train service from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is about to become a reality. This follows the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) inspecting the 17 km Katra-Reasi stretch of the 65 km Katra-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link on January 5, 2025. This is a vital link connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country. PM Narendra Modi is likely to dedicate it to the nation on January 26. “Of the 65-km long Katra-Sangaldan, the Reasi-Sangaldan part including Reasi Station has been completed. Only a 17 km stretch between Katra and Sangaldan which has the iconic Anji Khad bridge is pending CRS inspection. All of them together will be inaugurated together by the PM,” said K Sainath Reddy, executive engineer of Konkan Railway at Reasi Station. Anji Khad Bridge, which connects two tunnels between Katra and Reasi station is India’s first cable-stayed bridge is 473.35 meters long. Katra is the last railway station on the Jammu side where people get down for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. “The bridge has support of 96 cables having cable lengths varying from 82 meters to 295 meters,” said Sjuo Kumar Deputy Chief Engineer (Bridges) of Konkan Railways. After Reasi, comes Bakkal, and thereafter comes Kanthan Chenab Railway Station. Before the station is Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. “The height of this arch bridge is 359 meters above the riverbed. It is taller than the Statue of Unity, which is 182 meters, and the Eiffel Tower, which stands at a height of 330 metres,” said RR Mallick, Deputy CE of Chenab Bridge.

Read more

Dubai Metro Offers 43 Hours of Nonstop Service for New Year’s Eve

As the clock ticks toward 2025, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is stepping up to ensure your New Year’s Eve travels are smooth and stress-free. Skip the chaos of traffic jams and road closures—this year, the Dubai Metro will operate nonstop for an impressive 43+ hours, making it the ultimate choice for navigating the city’s festivities. Kicking off at 5 a.m. on December 31 and running continuously through January 1, the Dubai Metro offers a reliable and hassle-free way to travel across the city. Extended hours ensure easy access to top celebration spots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Global Village. For even more convenience, the Dubai Tram will be in service from 6 a.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 2, connecting key locations such as JBR and other vibrant areas. If you’re planning to visit Dubai Mall, keep in mind that the Metro station may close from 5 p.m. on December 31 if it reaches full capacity. In that case, nearby stations like Business Bay will be your best bet for hassle-free access. With these measures in place, getting around the city has never been more convenient! To make your New Year’s Eve travels as smooth as possible, Dubai’s RTA has implemented a range of measures, including extended transport hours, road signs, and intelligent systems to direct commuters to parking spots, bus pick-up zones, and alternative routes. These thoughtful additions ensure you can focus on the celebrations without worrying about logistics. To ease congestion and enhance your travel experience, Dubai’s RTA is deploying an impressive fleet of 1,400 additional buses, all available free of charge. These extra buses are set to provide seamless alternatives, ensuring you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey even during peak times.

Read more

Vietnam's New Luxury Railway: "La Reine" Tourist Train

Vietnam Railways Corporation has marked a significant milestone with the launch of the high-quality “La Reine” (Queen) tourist train at Da Lat Station in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. The inauguration, held on December 24, coincided with the vibrant 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, enhancing the celebration with a new travel experience on the Da Lat – Trai Mat route. Inspired by the grandeur of Queen Nam Phuong’s Palace—the last queen of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty—the “La Reine” tourist train is an architectural masterpiece. Its design blends the sophistication of Indochinese and French styles, reflecting the historical and cultural richness of Da Lat. The train offers technical upgrades for enhanced comfort, providing passengers with a seamless fusion of luxury and tradition. VIP compartments, each equipped with 12 seats, cater to families seeking private travel spaces. These bespoke features ensure that passengers experience the utmost comfort while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Central Highlands. The train’s luxurious design and attention to detail set it apart as a premium travel option in Vietnam. The “La Reine” train’s launch comes in response to increasing demand for high-quality transport services on the Da Lat – Trai Mat route. In 2024, the route saw significant growth, with 3,050 trips conducted, marking a 69% increase from the previous year. The train carried 276,567 passengers, a remarkable 75% rise compared to 2023.

Read more

Sri Lanka Celebrates Two Millionth Tourist in 2024

Sri Lanka marks a record-breaking year in 2024, celebrating the arrival of its two millionth tourist, showcasing its appeal as a vibrant tropical destination. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism announced today (December 26) its readiness to celebrate the arrival of the two millionth foreign tourist for the year 2024. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, shared that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has planned a special ceremony at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning to commemorate the milestone. By December 22, Sri Lanka had welcomed 1,966,256 international visitors since the start of the year. December alone saw 161,383 foreign tourists, with India contributing the highest number at 35,131 arrivals. In addition, Sri Lanka received 22,637 tourists from Russia, 12,822 from the United Kingdom, 9,998 from Germany, and 8,646 from Australia during December.

Read more

ITC Hotels Sets New Benchmark With Welcomhotel Jabalpur In Central India

ITC Hotels strengthens its footprint in central India with the debut of Welcomhotel Jabalpur, honoring the rich heritage of the Bundelkhand region. This launch marks a strategic milestone in expanding the Welcomhotel brand, focusing on tier 2 and tier 3 citis to deliver distinctive and memorable experiences. Boasting over 15,000 sq. ft. of versatile banquet spaces, including indoor and outdoor options, the property is an ideal venue for destination weddings, corporate events, and both grand and intimate celebrations. The hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional architectural elements. With 122 thoughtfully crafted rooms and suites, Welcomhotel Jabalpur offers a perfect harmony of modern comforts, timeless elegance, and breathtaking views of the city’s natural splendor. Sharing his thoughts on the opening, Anil Chadha, Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said, “Welcomhotel brand trajectory is growing fast across both business and leisure locations. The launch of Welcomhotel Jabalpur marks a significant milestone in the continued asset right growth and expansion strategy of ITC Hotels. This property aligns with the spirit of brand Welcomhotel- each designed to reflect the essence of its region, ensuring that guests enjoy an authentic and enriching stay. Rajesh Jain, Director ARV Hotels said,“ARV Hotels Pvt Limited is excited to announce the grand opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jabalpur. It is a stunning addition to the city skyline. From state-of-the-art rooms, banqueting facilities which caters to social and MICE segments, gourmet dining experiences at our All-Day Dining restaurant Welcomcafe Reva, modern fitness centre, rooftop pool, every detail has been thoughtfully designed. Welcomhotel Jabalpur is ideally situated in Bargi Hills which makes it a perfect bleisure destination.” Conveniently located near Jabalpur’s prominent attractions, the hotel provides easy access to landmarks like Madan Mahal Fort, Bhedaghat, and the Rana Durgawati Museum. Guests can embark on guided tours to explore the stunning marble cliffs of Bhedaghat, the breathtaking Dhuandhar waterfalls, and the historic Chausath Yogini Temple. The serene Narmada Aarti, an evening ceremony on the river’s banks, offers a spiritual experience with glowing lamps and soothing chants reflecting over the water.

Read more

Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG Redefine Global Hospitality

The global hospitality industry is witnessing a transformative era, with major hotel brands such as Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG Hotels & Resorts at the forefront of innovation. These leading brands are redefining the travel experience by focusing on expansion, sustainability, technology integration, and personalized guest experiences. As global travel demand rebounds post-pandemic, these hospitality giants are not only meeting but exceeding expectations by adapting to emerging trends, catering to evolving traveler preferences, and driving economic growth in key markets worldwide. Hyatt has aggressively expanded its portfolio to solidify its position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. With a focus on high-end accommodations, Hyatt has added properties under its Park Hyatt, Andaz, and Thompson Hotels brands. Its acquisition of Dream Hotel Group further boosts its presence in urban hotspots and trendy destinations. Key initiatives by Hyatt include: - Global Expansion: Hyatt recently opened properties in key markets like Tokyo, London, and Dubai, catering to both leisure and business travelers. - Lifestyle-Centric Offerings: Brands like Thompson and Alila focus on immersive guest experiences, blending luxury with local culture. - Sustainability Efforts: Hyatt is advancing its environmental goals by integrating eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption and offering sustainable dining options.

Read more