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Railways conducts trial run on world's highest arch rail bridge in J&K

Indian Railways on June 20 successfully conducted a trial run of a eight-coach MEMU train on the world's highest railway bridge — Chenab Bridge — in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for the start of rail service on the route from Reasi to Baramulla in Kashmir. "After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from Railway Board, Northern Railway and Konkan Railway, a trial run was conducted on a 46-km-long electrified line section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph," the Railway Ministry said in a statement. "It was successfully carried out starting at 12:35 pm from Sangaldan and reaching Reasi at 2:05 pm. On the way it passes through nine tunnels with a combined length of 40.787 km and longest tunnel T-44 of 11.13 km," it added. According to the Ministry, it was the first ever full train that crossed over the iconic bridge between Dugga and Bakkal stations across the Chenab river, which is the world's highest arch railway bridge. The stations — Reasi, Bakkal, Dugga and Sawlakote — are situated in Reasi district of J&K. "The electrification work on this section has been executed with state-of-the-art technology, ROCS (Rigid Overhead Conductor System) at 25 kV, for the first time on railways," the ministry said. Upon the mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) train's arrival at Reasi railway station, chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoed as a large crowd gathered there to witness the historic event. The train carried employees working on the project as well as railway officials. People thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for connecting Reasi with Kashmir. "The train service from Reasi to Kashmir could commence by the end of this month," former sarpanch Raj Kumar Sharma, who attended the event, said. He recalled that 20 years ago, when the work started, there were many difficulties as the Railways had to carve paths through mountains and build tunnels. "Today, the engine arrived with a few coaches, and it is expected that a full train service will commence in the coming days," he said. Similarly, Tarun Sharma travelled from Reasi railway station to Dhugga and described the journey as historic. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, including the 48.1-km-long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009 under the Congress-led UPA govt. Subsequent phases saw the inauguration of the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.

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Now book IndiGo flight tickets on WhatsApp

Booking flights just got a lot more fun. IndiGo, India’s favorite airline, is shaking things up with the launch of their AI booking assistant, 6Eskai, on WhatsApp. Yes, you heard that right – now you can sort out your travel plans while chatting with friends. How cool is that? IndiGo’s 6Eskai is not just any assistant; it’s built on an AI platform by Riafy, a Google partner. It is like a digital travel agent that can help you book tickets, check-in, generate boarding passes, check flight statuses, and even answer your random travel queries – all on WhatsApp. It's like having a personal travel agent right in your pocket. And it speaks your language too – English, Hindi, and Tamil. To get started, just drop a WhatsApp message to +91 7065145858. Powered by Google Cloud’s Large Language Models, 6Eskai will make travelling easier for frequent flyers.With some high-level prompt engineering, it can understand your emotions, throw in a bit of humor, and make your interactions enjoyable. This assistant doesn’t just get the job done, it does so with flair. 6Eskai can handle anything you throw at it. Need to book tickets, apply discounts, or check-in online? No problem. Want to pick your seat, plan a trip, or just ask a question? Easy peasy. And if you ever need to talk to a real person, 6Eskai can connect you with an agent too. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital & Information Officer at IndiGo, is thrilled about this new feature. "We are delighted to announce the launch of our AI-powered travel booking assistant, 6Eskai, on WhatsApp. As India's preferred airline, IndiGo is committed to delivering superior digital services by harnessing cutting-edge technology. This new feature underscores our dedication to technological innovation and the enhancement of customer experience. It is designed to provide immediate, personalized support to our valued customers, reflecting IndiGo's unwavering commitment to progress and customer satisfaction,” Chopra shared. Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud India, couldn’t be more excited. “We're excited to join forces with IndiGo, a brand celebrated for its exceptional customer experiences and cutting-edge solutions in the aviation industry. By utilizing Google Cloud’s leading AI technologies, IndiGo will provide new customer experiences that tackle complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and ultimately deliver more value to users,” Bedi said. IndiGo’s new WhatsApp assistant, 6Eskai, is set to make your travel booking experience smoother and more entertaining. So next time you need to book a flight, check your flight status, or just want to have a little chat, remember – IndiGo is just a WhatsApp message away. Happy travels!

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Change in airport rules: Items that can no longer be taken on plane

As per the latest developments, airport rules have been recently updated that could specifically impact passengers travelling to Dubai. These updates have been made to ensure safety measures are adhered to strictly. Previously, travellers were accustomed to carrying essential items like medications in their cabin baggage. However, new regulations now prohibit certain medications from being carried on flights bound for Dubai. It is crucial for passengers to be informed about these changes and to ensure they only pack permitted items as per the updated guidelines. Many travellers often travel without being fully aware of the restricted items when flying. This causes unnecessary hassle not only to the travellers, but also those handling the checking business. Therefore, it’s very important to keep in mind the rule before heading out to catch a flight, especially to Dubai. When preparing for travel to Dubai, it is essential to understand what items are permissible and what are prohibited both in cabin baggage and checked luggage. Many people unknowingly bring items that are considered illegal to transport on flights. This includes narcotics like cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, as well as items like betel leaves, ivory, gambling tools, and goods from countries under boycott. Furthermore, printed materials, artworks, certain foods including non-vegetarian dishes, and even counterfeit currency are strictly prohibited. Violating these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences for passengers. During your trip to Dubai, there are also certain products that require prior payment and clearance before being brought into the country. These include plants, fertilisers, books, specific medications, medical equipment, cosmetics, electronic devices, alcoholic beverages, personal care products, e-cigarettes, and electronic hookahs. Specific medications are also restricted for transportation to Dubai. These include Betamethadol, Alpha-methylfentanyl, Codoxime, Fentanyl, Methadone, Opium, Oxycodone, Codeine, Amphetamine, and others listed in the updated guidelines. It is essential for travellers planning to visit Dubai to familiarise themselves thoroughly with these regulations to avoid any inconvenience or legal issues during their journey. Adhering strictly to these guidelines will ensure not only compliance with local laws, but will also contribute to a safe and hassle-free travel experience. Always check the latest updates from airport authorities or consult with your airline for specific details before packing for your trip to Dubai.

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Taiwan considers extending visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers

As per the latest reports, Taiwan is considering extending visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens, in a move that could likely streamline travel for Indian nationals to the island nation. Referring to this, Taiwan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Kwang Tien recently highlighted the high frequency of travel by Indian nationals to Taiwan. Also, as per the records, more than 3,000 Indian students are currently studying in the country. This potential visa-on-arrival arrangement would further make it easier for Indian citizens to visit Taiwan for tourism, business, and education purposes. If approved, the visa-on-arrival arrangement would be a welcome development for Indian travellers looking to explore Taiwan's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. Currently, Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Taiwan, which can be a time-consuming and cumbersome process. By offering visa-on-arrival, Taiwan would not only attract more Indian tourists, but will also facilitate easier travel for Indian students studying in the country. This potential move by Taiwan follows similar initiatives by other countries in the region. Thailand and Malaysia have previously offered visa-free travel for Indian citizens, making it easier for them to visit and explore these popular tourist destinations. By extending visa-on-arrival to Indian nationals, Taiwan would not only strengthen its ties with India, but will also boost tourism and business opportunities between the two countries. With the number of Indian travellers to Taiwan on the rise, this new visa policy could further enhance the already growing relationship between the two nations. And if all goes well, bookmark these place that are are must-visit when in Taiwan: Taipei: Explore the vibrant capital known for its bustling night markets and iconic Taipei 101. Taroko National Park: Marvel at dramatic landscapes, gorges, and hiking trails in this stunning national park. Sun Moon Lake: Relax at Taiwan's largest lake surrounded by lush forests and scenic biking trails. Alishan: Experience sunrise from Alishan Mountain, renowned for its ancient cypress trees and picturesque tea plantations. Kenting National Park: Enjoy Taiwan's tropical side with beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant nightlife in this southern national park.

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IndiGo Enhances Customer Service with 6Eskai on WhatsApp

IndiGo, the airline of choice in India, has advanced its customer service by introducing the AI-powered conversational assistant, 6Eskai, via WhatsApp. This cutting-edge tool is part of IndiGo’s expanding digital offerings, designed to streamline travel planning directly through travelers’ smartphones. Developed in collaboration with Riafy, a partner of Google, 6Eskai enables users to manage bookings, perform check-ins, produce boarding passes, track flight statuses, and resolve inquiries through WhatsApp, using text and voice in English, Hindi, and Tamil. This service operates on the phone number +91 7065145858. To make this possible, 6Eskai utilizes Google Cloud’s Advanced Language Models, which have been intricately tuned to engage in meaningful conversations, recognize emotional cues, and even incorporate humor, enhancing user interaction. This WhatsApp-based extension is set to improve IndiGo’s already robust digital booking system, making the process even more convenient for its users. 6Eskai is equipped with a formidable 1.7 trillion parameters, making it adept at handling a wide array of questions and tasks such as applying discounts, managing add-ons, conducting online check-ins, assisting with seat selection, planning trips, responding to frequently asked questions, and connecting customers to live support. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital & Information Officer, IndiGo said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our AI-powered travel booking assistant, 6Eskai, on WhatsApp. As India’s preferred airline, IndiGo is committed to delivering superior digital services by harnessing cutting-edge technology. This new feature underscores our dedication to technological innovation and the enhancement of customer experience. It is designed to provide immediate, personalized support to our valued customers, reflecting IndiGo’s unwavering commitment to progress and customer satisfaction.” Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD, Google Cloud India added, “We’re excited to join forces with IndiGo, a brand celebrated for its exceptional customer experiences and cutting-edge solutions in the aviation industry. By utilizing Google Cloud’s leading AI technologies, IndiGo will provide new customer experiences that tackle complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and ultimately deliver more value to users.” IndiGo continues to grow as one of the leading budget airlines globally, adhering to its commitment to offer low-cost fares, punctual flights, and a smooth, courteous travel experience across its extensive network.

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HOME DESTINATIONS INDIA RAINY RETREATS: UNVEILING INDIA'S BEST MONSOON GETAWAYS Rainy Retreats: Unveiling India's Best Monsoon Getaways

Monsoon season in India, typically lasting from June to September, transforms dry landscapes into verdant beauties. While torrential rains and thunderstorms are a hallmark of the season, monsoon travel offers a unique way to experience India. With the heat dissipating and the scenery turning every hue of emerald, the rainy season is a lovely way to beat the heat and get a fresh perspective on popular destinations. Imagine sitting on a deserted beach with the rain splashing on the sand – a unique must-have experience! Do we have you planning a monsoon getaway yet? Check out our list of the best places to visit in India during this season and discover the perfect destination for your monsoon getaway! Monsoon in India Monsoon rains in India vary by region. While most of western and central India receives nearly 90 percent of their annual rainfall quota during this time, the southern and northwestern regions receive between 50-75 percent of their annual quota. With temperatures dropping to as low as 27°C to 35°C in most parts of the country reeling under scorching heat, the monsoon season in India is a welcome relief, even if it does increase humidity. Best places to visit in India during monsoon Goa While this popular destination is best known for its party vibes, monsoons bring out a much more delicate side of Goa, boasting lush greenery, deserted beaches, gushing waterfalls, swollen backwaters, and nearly no crowds. With most shacks and beach stalls shut for the season, you can have the entire shoreline to yourself as you watch the raindrops trickle down the palm trees. With cheaper accommodation options, Goa in monsoons is a viable option for those who want to enjoy a tranquil getaway. Check out our guide to the best time to visit Goa, India’s party capital. Average temperature: 26°C to 29°C Things to do in Goa: Go white water rafting, explore Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the gushing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Best hotels: ITC Grand Goa, Hilton Goa Resort, and Bogmallo Beach Resort Best restaurants: The Fishermans Wharf, Copperleaf Panaji, and Venite Bar & Restaurant How to reach By air: Dabolim Airport is located in Goa. By train: Madgaon Junction is located in Goa. While this popular destination is best known for its party vibes, monsoons bring out a much more delicate side of Goa, boasting lush greenery, deserted beaches, gushing waterfalls, swollen backwaters, and nearly no crowds. With most shacks and beach stalls shut for the season, you can have the entire shoreline to yourself as you watch the raindrops trickle down the palm trees. With cheaper accommodation options, Goa in monsoons is a viable option for those who want to enjoy a tranquil getaway. Check out our guide to the best time to visit Goa, India’s party capital. Average temperature: 26°C to 29°C Things to do in Goa: Go white water rafting, explore Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the gushing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Best hotels: ITC Grand Goa, Hilton Goa Resort, and Bogmallo Beach Resort Best restaurants: The Fishermans Wharf, Copperleaf Panaji, and Venite Bar & Restaurant How to reach By air: Dabolim Airport is located in Goa. By train: Madgaon Junction is located in Goa. Misty mornings and chilly evenings mark the rainy season in Munnar, transforming this beautiful town in Kerala into a verdant landscape with every imaginable shade of green. With light showers during the day, the weather is ideal for a stroll across the tea plantations. Waterfalls such as Lakkom and Attukal are perfect for a hike, or a quick dip in the filled-to-the-brim natural pool that forms at the bottom during monsoons. Average temperature: 23°C to 34°C Things to do in Munnar: Enjoy a boat ride on Kundala Lake, explore Anamudi Shola National Park, and visit the iconic Cheeyappara Waterfalls Nearby hotels: Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort and Spa, Windermere Estate, and Vibe Munnar Best restaurants: Butler’s Creek, Copper Castle, and Saravana Bhavan How to reach By air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 110 km away. By train: Aluva Railway Station is approximately 120 km away. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu HOME DESTINATIONS INDIA RAINY RETREATS: UNVEILING INDIA'S BEST MONSOON GETAWAYS Rainy Retreats: Unveiling India's Best Monsoon Getaways From the beaches of Goa to the waterfalls of Sohra, the best places to visit in India during monsoons promise stunning landscapes to explore. BY:ESHA DASGUPTA PUBLISHED: JUN 21, 2024 10:00 AM HKT15 MIN READ Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra | Image credit: RealityImages/Shutterstock Monsoon season in India, typically lasting from June to September, transforms dry landscapes into verdant beauties. While torrential rains and thunderstorms are a hallmark of the season, monsoon travel offers a unique way to experience India. With the heat dissipating and the scenery turning every hue of emerald, the rainy season is a lovely way to beat the heat and get a fresh perspective on popular destinations. Imagine sitting on a deserted beach with the rain splashing on the sand – a unique must-have experience! Do we have you planning a monsoon getaway yet? Check out our list of the best places to visit in India during this season and discover the perfect destination for your monsoon getaway! Monsoon in India Monsoon rains in India vary by region. While most of western and central India receives nearly 90 percent of their annual rainfall quota during this time, the southern and northwestern regions receive between 50-75 percent of their annual quota. With temperatures dropping to as low as 27°C to 35°C in most parts of the country reeling under scorching heat, the monsoon season in India is a welcome relief, even if it does increase humidity. Best places to visit in India during monsoon Goa Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa | Image credit: Penta Sathwik/Unsplash Recommended by WITH THE PRECISION AND EXPERIENCE OF ZEISS WITH THE PRECISION AND EXPERIENCE OF ZEISS ZEISS While this popular destination is best known for its party vibes, monsoons bring out a much more delicate side of Goa, boasting lush greenery, deserted beaches, gushing waterfalls, swollen backwaters, and nearly no crowds. With most shacks and beach stalls shut for the season, you can have the entire shoreline to yourself as you watch the raindrops trickle down the palm trees. With cheaper accommodation options, Goa in monsoons is a viable option for those who want to enjoy a tranquil getaway. Check out our guide to the best time to visit Goa, India’s party capital. Average temperature: 26°C to 29°C Things to do in Goa: Go white water rafting, explore Mollem National Park & Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the gushing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Best hotels: ITC Grand Goa, Hilton Goa Resort, and Bogmallo Beach Resort Best restaurants: The Fishermans Wharf, Copperleaf Panaji, and Venite Bar & Restaurant How to reach By air: Dabolim Airport is located in Goa. By train: Madgaon Junction is located in Goa. BOOK YOUR STAY AT ITC GRAND GOA VIA BOOKING.COM BOOK YOUR STAY AT ITC GRAND GOA VIA AGODA.COM Munnar, Kerala Attukal Waterfalls, Munnar | Image credit: Robert Ruidl/Shutterstock Misty mornings and chilly evenings mark the rainy season in Munnar, transforming this beautiful town in Kerala into a verdant landscape with every imaginable shade of green. With light showers during the day, the weather is ideal for a stroll across the tea plantations. Waterfalls such as Lakkom and Attukal are perfect for a hike, or a quick dip in the filled-to-the-brim natural pool that forms at the bottom during monsoons. Average temperature: 23°C to 34°C Things to do in Munnar: Enjoy a boat ride on Kundala Lake, explore Anamudi Shola National Park, and visit the iconic Cheeyappara Waterfalls Nearby hotels: Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort and Spa, Windermere Estate, and Vibe Munnar Best restaurants: Butler’s Creek, Copper Castle, and Saravana Bhavan How to reach By air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 110 km away. By train: Aluva Railway Station is approximately 120 km away. BOOK YOUR STAY AT VICEROY LUXURY MOUNTAIN RESORT AND SPA VIA BOOKING.COM BOOK YOUR STAY AT VICEROY LUXURY MOUNTAIN RESORT AND SPA VIA AGODA.COM Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Vattakanal Waterfalls, Kodaikanal | Image credit: karthikeyan7488/Shutterstock For all the rain lovers out there, Kodaikanal has plenty of picturesque views in store for the season. Monsoon in Kodaikanal brings out the best of the hill station, especially for nature lovers. Overflowing waterfalls, towering hills wearing a fresh new look after an afternoon of rain, and serene lakes that beckon travellers to its shores, make Kodaikanal one of the best places to visit in India in the monsoon. Still unsure? Find out what will suit you best with our Munnar Vs Kodaikanal travel guide. Average temperature: 20°C to 28°C Things to do in Kodaikanal: Trek to Vattakanal Falls, enjoy boat rides on Kodai Lake, and take in the lush greenery all around from Dolphin’s Nose Nearby hotels: Villa Retreat, Zacs Valley Resort, and JC Residency Best restaurants: Aromas of Kodai, Whistler Cafe, and Club Astoria How to reach By air: Madurai Airport is approximately 120 km away. By train: Kodai Road Railway Station is approximately 90 km away. Alleppey, Kerala Alleppey, everybody’s favourite backwaters destination in Kerala, is a sight to behold during monsoons. The backwaters and adjoining villages look even more alluring after a fresh batch of rains that refresh and rejuvenate the area. The light to heavy rains is perfect for cruising along the backwaters on a covered houseboat, sipping on a hot beverage, and contemplating an assortment of fresh seafood. Average temperature: 25°C to 31°C Things to do in Alleppey: Go kayaking on the backwaters, try parasailing on Alleppey Beach, and attend the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August 10, 2024) Nearby hotels: Marari Beach Resort, Warmth Lake Haven, and Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey Best restaurants: Cassia Restaurant, Bayroute Bistro, and Dreamers Café and Restaurant How to reach By air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 73 km away. By train: Alleppey Railway Station is located within the city.

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