Category Archives: Domestic

Cab travel have picked up momentum in the past decade.

Zoomcar launches ‘Zoomcar Cabs’ in Benglauru

Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. has launched Zoomcar Cabs, as a pilot in Bengaluru that provides commercial cars with professional drivers at the best prices.

Expanding beyond its successful self-drive offerings, this move reflects Zoomcar’s commitment to listening to Guests feedback, introducing Zoomcar Cabs as an added service to meet growing demand and fulfill the diverse travel needs of its customers.

With Zoomcar Cabs, Guests now have the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, as well as the ability to select specific car models which is in contrast to the existing market where users usually only have the option to select the car category. Guests simply need to add their pick-up or start location on the app and have full control of their stops, routes, destinations, etc. without the need to update it on the app, unlike other cab apps.

Zoomcar Cabs offers the freedom to book a car for as little as two hours to extended periods of over 30 days. Zoomcar’s platform continues to prioritize transparency and reliability, offering a clear and user-friendly pricing structure. The rental fee for Zoomcar Cabs includes driver allowances, fuel costs, and a fixed kilometer limit.

These unique features set Zoomcar Cabs apart from other cab services and apps, ensuring Guests experience a combination of diversity, quality, choice, and freedom to modify their itinerary in real time allowing them to tailor their travel preferences.

Whether for business trips, family vacations, or everyday commutes, Zoomcar Cabs is designed to meet diverse use cases, ensuring comfort, reliability, and affordability. Guests can easily book their preferred vehicles through Zoomcar’s seamless platform, reinforcing Zoomcar’s commitment to delivering hassle-free travel experiences.

Hiroshi Nishijima, CEO, Zoomcar, said, “At Zoomcar, we have always been committed to enhancing mobility solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. The launch of Zoomcar Cabs marks a significant step in fulfilling this commitment and allows us to extend our offerings to travelers who prefer the convenience of chauffeur-driven vehicles while maintaining the same level of choice, quality, and transparency that Zoomcar is known for. “

The launch of Zoomcar Cabs as a pilot in Bengaluru marks a significant step in Zoomcar’s journey, offering customers a new level of flexibility and convenience. As a pioneer in the car-sharing market, the company continues to evolve its offerings to meet the dynamic needs of modern travellers.

Luxury train travel in India is seeing a revival.

Golden Chariot resumes service after 6 years

After a gap of six years, Karnataka’s express train – Golden Chariot – chugged off from the Yeshwanthpur Railway Station’s Platform-6 to Kochi on Saturday.

The trip – Jewel of the South – was flagged off by Karnataka Tourism Minister HK Patil with 38 international tourists on board, while the train has 80-bed capacity. It is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) along with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railways. IRCTC, which is marketing the train, has priced the ticket at INR 67,961.79 ($800).

The five-night-six-day circuit will cover Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad/ Karaikudi, Kochi and Chertala/ Mararikuluam in Kerala and back to Bengaluru.

Patil told the media that Golden Chariot is a special train for South India as it showcases the culture, tourism, history, nature, wildlife and heritage of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
“The train’s operations had been stopped from 2018 due to financial reasons. Now it has been started in cooperation with agencies from the central government. We have entered into a partnership with the Railways and hope to make profits,” he said.

An IRCTC official said three special customised trips were made in 2020 and 2021, but the occupancy was very poor. “As a new feature, we have introduced a provision for people/ companies to book the entire train and it can be taken on the routes (chosen from the itineraries already prepared by KSTDC and IRCTC). This chartered train service option has been availed by two private companies who have made bookings to take the train for trips on December 29 and February 13, 2025.”

KSTDC officials, who were present on the occasion, said that for February 2025, bookings have been made to run the train on the Pride of Karnataka circuit, which is a five-night-six-day trip, covering Bengaluru, Nanjangud, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hospet and Goa. KSTDC sources said the operations had stopped not just because of poor bookings and the corporation was unable to break even, but also because of high haulage charges.

Now even after signing agreements with IRCTC and Indian Railways, the haulage charge issues have not been ironed out. “We are hoping the train does not stop again or ticket prices are not increased because of this,” the source said. (Source: The New Indian Express)

This is one of the big ticket infrastructure projects to offer last mile connectivity.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link to commence in Jan 2025

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) began inspecting the Reasi-Banihal rail track, the final connecting segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, for commencing Vande Bharat operations.

The final inspection of the Reasi-Banihal track is scheduled for the first week of January 2025.

The Katra-Banihal section underwent its final trial run in June this year, with a train successfully running between Sangaldan and Reasi railway stations.

Once operational, the Vande Bharat train service will connect Delhi to Srinagar, reducing travel time to approximately 12 hours.

The 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link aims to connect Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country by a broad-gauge railway line.

The rail link project which tackles the demanding Himalayan terrain has been divided into four segments, namely, Udhampur-Katra, Katra-Banihal, Banihal-Qazigund, and Qazigund-Baramulla.

The first leg, covering a distance of 25 kilometres from Udhampur to Katra, was successfully completed and commissioned in July 2014.

Centre Approves INR 3,295 Crore for Tourism Infrastructure Development Under SASCI Scheme

The central government has sanctioned INR 3,295 crore to boost tourism infrastructure across the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Infrastructure Development (SASCI). A total of 40 projects across 23 states and union territories have been selected under the challenge mode to receive capital assistance as part of this initiative.

The scheme aims to provide long-term interest-free loans for 50 years to state governments, enabling the comprehensive development of iconic tourist destinations. These funds will be utilized to enhance branding, marketing, and infrastructure at a global scale while promoting local economic growth and sustainable employment opportunities.

Highlighting the initiative, Union Culture and Tourism Minister shared on social media platform X, “This funding will play a transformative role in creating world-class tourist destinations and fostering sustainable tourism across India.”

The SASCI scheme focuses on sustainable and inclusive projects that integrate environmental, cultural, and economic considerations to position India as a leading global tourism destination. Through these developments, the government hopes to drive economic growth, empower local communities, and establish India’s tourism sector as a significant contributor to the global travel landscape.

 

Uber Shikara Launches in Srinagar; Pre-Book Dal Lake Rides via Uber App

Staying true to its commitment to enhancing mobility for all, Uber has launched Uber Shikara, offering tourists the option to pre-book boat rides on Dal Lake through the Uber app. This limited-time offering allows visitors to plan their Shikara rides in advance, ensuring they can fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Srinagar’s Dal Lake during the busy holiday season.

As part of this initiative to boost tourism in the picturesque region, Uber will not charge any fees for Shikara rides booked through its app. All proceeds will go directly to the Shikara drivers, providing additional economic opportunities for grassroots tourism workers in Jammu and Kashmir. Each Uber Shikara ride is available for a 1-hour duration, accommodating up to 4 passengers. Rides can be booked up to 12 hours in advance, with reservations available for up to 15 days.

Commenting on the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia said, “At Uber, we are always looking to make mobility magical and effortless. Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their Shikara ride. We are proud to create this iconic experience enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir.”

Uber Shikara introduces the convenience of pre-booking through Uber Reserve, allowing travellers to plan their rides in advance. This feature is aimed at helping travellers enjoy the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir to its fullest without worrying about last-minute arrangements.

How to book an Uber Shikara ride:

● Open the latest version of the Uber app (check for updates on App Store/Play Store)

● Select start and end points as ‘Shikara Ghat No 16’ from the ‘Where to’ bar

● Select Uber Shikara

● Select time and date (available only during 10 am to 5 pm)

● Select Uber Shikara

● Confirm pick up location (Ghat 16)

● Click “Book” and you’re set to enjoy the Uber Shikara experience at the Dal Lake

 

If You Wish to Explore India, Come to Mahakumbh: Gajendra Singh Shikhawat

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department hosted the ‘Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude’ on November 29 at The Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi. The event, attended by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UP Minister Jaiveer Singh, and key dignitaries, showcased the spiritual essence of Prayagraj, the host city for the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025. Serving as a curtain-raiser to the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the event highlighted cultural, spiritual, and infrastructural preparations for the gathering, expected to attract over 40 crore devotees globally.

Shekhawat emphasized India’s unique spiritual heritage and invited global tourists to experience the transformative power of Mahakumbh. “It is an ancient celebration of India’s rich and diverse culture and humanity. As we prepare to host the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj, I extend an invitation to people across the world to participate in this monumental event that symbolizes the spirit of global unity and cooperation that is much needed in today’s geopolitically turbulent times. We see the Mahakumbh as an opportunity for cultural exchange. If you wish to see India in one place, then Mahakumbh Mela is the place. We are working diligently to provide all the support for accommodation, transportation, and guided tours around the Mahakumbh Mela grounds and in its vicinity, making the experience of each traveller as unique as it can get”, he said at the prelude event.

Jaiveer Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism Minister, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Mahakumbh-2025 is not just a spiritual gathering but a rare alignment that embodies India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). It will be a monumental event where diversity converges into unity.” He invited international visitors to witness the grandeur of this event, which will not only showcase India’s cultural depth but also set new global benchmarks in religious tourism.

Principal Secretary of Tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, outlined the infrastructural advancements being made in preparation for Mahakumbh. He shared that an ultra-modern tent city near the Parade Ground featuring luxury accommodations such as villas, Maharaja tents, and deluxe tents is under construction. Additionally, 1,600 Swiss cottages are being set up in Arail, along with 200 cottages in Jhunsi and another 200 at parade ground to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Thrilling activities like helicopter rides and water sports will further enhance the visitor experience.

The event featured an engaging exhibition, cultural performances, and the screening of films related to Mahakumbh 2025. Ambassadors and dignitaries from countries including Suriname, Malaysia, Seychelles, Nepal, and Switzerland, among others, attended the event, showcasing the global interest in this monumental gathering.

The Mahakumbh 2025 Prelude concluded with vibrant discussions, a review of the tent city’s models, and an invitation to all to partake in this unparalleled celebration of spirituality and culture.