News

Madhya Pradesh gets its first All-Women hotel in Pachmarhi

Good news for women travellers! Now Panchmarhi is home to Madhya Pradesh’s first All-Women hotel. Amaltas is a beautiful property set in the gorgeous hill station of Pachmarhi. It is an important step towards women’s empowerment, with every aspect of its operation – from management to customer service – being handled by women only. With this, the government has also broken traditional gender stereotypes and hopes to create more opportunities for women in the hospitality industry. Let’s have a look at 5 interesting facts about this property: Gender equality and women empowerment project: The hotel aims at empowering women. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of MP, praised the property and called it a perfect example of the state’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. He also said that Amaltas shows how women can do really good in industries typically dominated by men. Boost in MP tourism: The opening of Amaltas coincides with the state’s booming tourism industry. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh is expected to attract 11 crore tourists, which is a competitive number. The CM also talked about the growing importance of tourism in the state, pointing out that women play a crucial role in both tourism and India's cultural heritage. About Amaltas: Amaltas is set in the pretty hills of Pachmarhi and offers a unique stay experience. It also offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel caters to guests seeking solitude and peace. The property serves vegetarian cuisine with a special focus on South Indian dishes. Adventure tourism: Recently, MP bagged the title of ‘Best Adventure Tourism State’ at the national convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The launch of Amaltas aligns with Madhya Pradesh’s broader strategy to boost adventure tourism in the region. This prestigious recognition strengthens the state’s position as a hub for adventure and eco-tourism, with Amaltas adding to its appeal by promoting women’s role in these industries. Amaltas promises not only a unique and empowering experience for women but also an exceptional retreat for visitors seeking peace and natural beauty in one of India’s most scenic locations.

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Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Cuttack Railway Station's East Side Entry.

Bhubaneswar: Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated the East Side Entry of Cuttack Railway Station this evening, marking a significant milestone in the Station’s Redevelopment under the Amrit Stations Scheme. This new entry, along with the East Side Station Building, is set to transform passenger travel, offering improved accessibility, safety, and convenience. The East Side Entry is designed to provide seamless movement for passengers arriving from the National Highway side, making the station more accessible and ensuring hassle-free access. This development is a part of an ambitious Rs 303 crore project aimed at redeveloping Cuttack Railway Station into a modern transportation hub with world-class amenities. Shri Vaishnaw, in his address at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of this development in improving passenger experience and enhancing the connectivity of the region. He highlighted that this project will also contribute to socio-economic growth by boosting trade and commerce, making Cuttack Railway Station a key hub in the region. Key Features of the East Side Station Building: Air-conditioned Spaces: 21,270 sqft of air-conditioned space ensuring a comfortable environment for passengers. Modern Amenities: Includes a food court (2,100 sqft), modern toilets, ticket counters, waiting areas, escalators, lifts, and more. Accessibility: Equipped with Sugamya-compliant escalators and lifts for enhanced accessibility, catering to all passengers, including those with disabilities. Improved Passenger Facilities: Spacious circulating area, parking, and pickup/drop-off facilities for easier access to the station. Additional Services: Features Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), ATM kiosk, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM), and One Station One Product (OSOP) trolleys, promoting local handicrafts made by women self-help groups.

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Lebanon reopens skies as flights resume ahead of festive season

As per the latest news Lebanon is preparing to welcome the return of the majority of Arab and international flights to Beirut's international airport by mid-December, according to the most recent development. This follows a lull brought on by the recent conflict with Israel, which resulted in the suspension of all flights other than those run by Middle East Airlines of Lebanon. Ali Hamieh, Lebanon's acting minister of public works and transportation, declared on December 4 that airline operations were authorised to restart. The choice is appropriate because it coincides with the rise in demand for travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Hamieh highlighted that while Lebanon’s ports remained operational during the conflict, road infrastructure faced significant damage, particularly in southern cities and areas like Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley. Efforts are underway to restore these damaged roads to full functionality. Although there are border crossings with Syria in northern Lebanon, there are difficulties because important bridges, such as the Jousieh crossing and the al-Hawz and Joubanieh bridges, have been destroyed. Although funding is available for repairs, Hamieh pointed out that reconstruction will require time. The reopening of Lebanon’s skies is a critical step in the country’s recovery, especially ahead of the holiday season. Several airlines have announced plans to resume flights to Beirut, while others remain cautious.

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More bullet trains coming to India soon

India is all set to expand its high-speed train network, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project already under construction. This super project marks the starting of a significant transformation in India’s rail infrastructure. Soon, more cities in India will be connected by high-speed trains. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw recently addressed questions in the Rajya Sabha from Smt. Geeta Alias Chandraprabha and Shri Narayana Koragappa, confirming that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, covering a distance of 508 kilometers, is currently the only officially sanctioned high-speed rail project in India. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is being developed with technical and financial support from the Government of Japan. The rail line will connect 12 key stations: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Construction work for the project is progressing at a rapid pace. As of now, 336 kilometers of pier foundations have been completed, alongside 331 kilometers of pier construction, 260 kilometers of girder casting, and 225 kilometers of girder launching. Notably, work on a 21-kilometer-long under-sea tunnel has also begun, marking a significant milestone in the development of this high-speed rail corridor.

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Mumbai to Pune in 25 Minutes: Hyperloop Train Reality Soon

Imagine traveling between Mumbai and Pune in just 25 minutes at speeds exceeding 1,000 kmph — a futuristic vision powered by Hyperloop technology. Thanks to IIT Madras, this dream is inching closer to reality. As per the reports, India's first attempt with this ground-breaking transportation technology was just launched when IIT Madras unveiled a 410-m Hyperloop test track. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the milestone and commended the cooperation between Indian Railways, TuTr (an incubated business), and the Avishkar Hyperloop team from IIT Madras. 76 students from IIT Madras are part of the Avishkar Hyperloop team, which is collaborating with TuTr to develop Hyperloop technology. The project is divided into two stages: a 100-kilometer expansion for practical uses and an initial 11.5-kilometer test track to show system dependability. The Mumbai-Pune route has been selected for India’s first full-scale Hyperloop system. If implemented, this ambitious project aims to reduce travel time between the two cities to just 25 minutes, faster than air travel. Ticket prices are expected to range between INR 1,000 and INR 1,500, making it an affordable and efficient alternative to flights.

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Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway to open in 2025

In a recent update, the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is all set to open in early 2025. The road will change the face of travel between Ahmedabad and Dholera and reduce the time to just 40-45 minutes. Part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the project will boost connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability, enhancing infrastructure and supporting industrial development in Gujarat. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway will drastically cut down the journey time between Ahmedabad and Dholera to just 40-45 minutes, significantly improving connectivity in the region. Route The expressway begins at Sardar Patel Ring Road near Sarkhej in Ahmedabad and stretches to Dholera SIR, passing key locations such as the upcoming Dholera International Airport at Navagam, enhancing regional accessibility. This expressway is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project, aimed at boosting industrial activities, promoting investment, and fostering economic growth in Gujarat, especially around Dholera SIR. With about 80% of the work already completed, the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway is expected to open in early 2025. The project is progressing smoothly, with a focus on timely completion.

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