Category Archives: Trade News

Railways start daily Katra Jammu Mail from Prayagraj to Katra

The North Central Railway has introduced a new daily direct train service from Subedarganj station in Prayagraj to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, fulfilling a long-standing request from devotees. The service began on Thursday, and according to officials, it will provide much-needed convenience for pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine.

Named the Katra Jammu Mail, the train will depart from Subedarganj station in Prayagraj every day at 10:35 AM and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 9:15 AM the next day. On its journey, the train will pass through multiple key cities including Fatehpur, Govindpuri, Tundla, Aligarh, Chipiyana Buzurg, Delhi, Sabzi Mandi, Narela, Sonipat, Ganaur, Samalkha, Kurukshetra, and Ambala Cantt.
On the return trip, the train will leave from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 3:20 PM daily, reaching Subedarganj at 12:35 PM the following day.

Praveen Patel, Member of Parliament for Phulpur in Prayagraj, expressed his gratitude for the new service, calling it an “auspicious day” for the people of Prayagraj. He highlighted how the new direct service eliminates the need for passengers to transit through Delhi, significantly reducing travel difficulties. Patel added that this development will benefit not just the residents of Prayagraj but also devotees from surrounding districts who can now travel directly to Katra for their pilgrimage.

Varanasi emerges as top religious tourism destination in Purvanchal for 2023

Varanasi has been named the top religious and tourist destination in Purvanchal for 2023, marking a significant achievement for the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts to enhance the city’s global appeal.

The transformation of Kashi (Varanasi) has not only boosted tourism within the city but also spurred interest in nearby districts, as visitors are now exploring the broader spiritual and natural attractions in the region.

According to rankings, Vindhyachal in Mirzapur and the Ashtabhuja Temple, also in Mirzapur, secured the second and third spots, while Sitamarhi in Sant Ravidas Nagar (Bhadohi) and Sonbhadra, known for its natural beauty, took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
This success is largely attributed to government’s efforts, which has implemented numerous tourism development projects in the region and enhanced connectivity between Varanasi and its surrounding districts. These initiatives have made travel within a 100 to 200-kilometer radius of Varanasi more convenient, enabling tourists to explore more destinations in less time.

Rajendra Kumar Rawat, Deputy Director of UP Tourism, highlighted that Varanasi’s development, including improved infrastructure, better accessibility, and increased security, has resulted in a sharp rise in tourist numbers. The city’s upgraded facilities, along with the development of nearby religious and natural sites, have turned the region into a thriving hub for spiritual and cultural tourism.
Tourists can now easily access key destinations like the waterfalls and religious landmarks of Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra, further enhancing the region’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.

Uttarakhand MP urges Centre to extend UDAN scheme in hill towns

Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal MP, Anil Baluni, has urged the Union Government to extend the regional connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), to several towns in his constituency.

In a letter addressed to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Baluni emphasised the need to connect Gopeshwar, Jyotirmath, Ramnagar, Lansdowne, and Pauri under the scheme, highlighting that improved air connectivity would significantly boost tourism and curb migration from the hills.

Baluni pointed out that enhanced air links to these towns would open up numerous opportunities for tourism, which is a vital part of Uttarakhand’s economy. He stressed that connecting Ramnagar, the gateway to the famous Jim Corbett National Park, would benefit tourism in the region. Similarly, Pauri, the administrative center of the district, needs efficient air connectivity with the state capital, Dehradun, to facilitate better governance and accessibility.

The MP also emphasised Lansdowne’s significance as a prominent tourist destination close to Delhi and the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles, calling for improved air access to serve both tourism and military purposes. Additionally, Baluni pitched for air connectivity to Gopeshwar and Jyotirmath due to their strategic importance near the India-China border, underscoring the need for better infrastructure in these areas.

In his letter, Baluni also requested the upgrade of the Gauchar airstrip, which would serve as a key hub for air operations in the region, further enhancing Uttarakhand’s overall connectivity and promoting tourism.

Air India becomes first Indian airline to implement NDC

In a significant move for the Indian aviation industry, Air India has become the first airline in the country to adopt the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a cutting-edge technology standard introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

This move is set to revolutionise how the airline distributes its products and services, allowing for more personalised and transparent offers to customers across various sales channels.

NDC is an XML-based data transmission standard that upgrades the way airline products are distributed, making it easier for airlines to offer real-time, customized deals to travel sellers and customers. The technology will enable Air India to provide exclusive offers, tailored fare families, and special promotions that can be accessed globally through online platforms and travel agencies. This will give travel sellers more control over their bookings and greater flexibility in selecting options that cater specifically to their clients’ needs.

By embracing NDC, Air India aims to transform its distribution strategy, ensuring that customers and travel partners benefit from a seamless and efficient booking experience. Through this technology, travel agencies, corporate buyers, and online travel platforms will have direct access to Air India’s inventory, allowing them to view a range of personalised options based on travellers’ preferences, such as flight schedules, seating preferences, or extra services like meals and baggage.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, emphasised the importance of this implementation. “Introducing NDC is a significant milestone for Air India as we continue to innovate and enhance our distribution strategy,” said Aggarwal. “Our goal is to provide a seamless and efficient booking experience for our travel partners and customers. This move is part of our broader commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements and delivering a better travel experience.”

ICRA lowers Indian airlines’ loss estimate by 33%

ICRA has revised its forecast for Indian airlines’ cumulative net losses for FY25 and FY26, lowering the estimate by 25-33% due to improved pricing power and a stable cost environment.

The new estimate is INR 2,000-3,000 crore, down from an earlier projection of INR 3,000-4,000 crore. Despite a downgrade in domestic air passenger growth expectations for FY25 (now pegged at 7-10%), Indian carriers are benefiting from a widening gap between revenue per available seat kilometer (RASK) and cost per available seat kilometer (CASK), indicating stronger pricing control.

ICRA forecasts domestic passenger traffic in FY25 to reach 164-170 million, while international passenger growth is expected to expand more robustly by 15-20%. However, ongoing supply chain disruptions, engine issues, and capacity constraints due to grounded aircraft—about 134 planes or 15-17% of the fleet—will continue to challenge the sector, increasing operational costs.

Airlines also face pressure from rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and the rupee-dollar exchange rate, both of which significantly affect cost structures, as fuel and leasing expenses are often dollar-denominated.

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains stable, with Indian airlines continuing to navigate operational hurdles while striving for improved profitability.

EaseMyTrip to foray into electric bus manufacturing through Easy Green Mobility

EaseMyTrip.com has ventured into electric bus manufacturing market through its new subsidiary, Easy Green Mobility.

Easy Green Mobility will manufacture EV buses, with YoloBus (another subsidiary of EaseMyTrip) serving as its operating arm. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment of tapping a new segment offering eco-friendly and innovative travel solutions, navigating its journey toward sustainable mobility.

EaseMyTrip is investing INR 200 crore for extensive R&D, Product Development, and setting up Manufacturing Plant over the span of 2-3 years.

The Indian electric bus market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% from 2024 to 2030. The establishment of Easy Green Mobility aligns with EaseMyTrip’s vision to capture a significant share of the evolving market and capitalise on the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in India. It stands as a testament to the brand’s committed approach to driving the sector’s growth and offering best & innovative technology solutions.

Commenting on the new launch, Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “A decade from now, the yearly demand for electric buses is expected to grow to 125,000 to 150,000 units per annum. The current market dynamics present a significant opportunity to enhance supply and meet the growing demand for electric buses by localizing production and creating a fully ‘Make-In-India’ product.”

Sharing about the new entity, he added, “Through the FAME scheme, state-level policies and PLI schemes, the government is encouraging the adoption of electric buses across the country. Our new subsidiary, Easy Green Mobility, is a way to support their exemplary efforts and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in Green Mobility. Moreover, this move aligns with our growth plans to expand the non-air business and will help us establish a strong foothold in the growing EV and eMobility sector.”

The company will prioritise manufacturing cutting-edge vehicles equipped with advanced technology and energy-efficient battery systems designed to support long-range travel on a single charge. This initiative will establish a strong foundation for expanding its presence in the urban transportation sector with high demand for electric buses both in India and internationally. Easy Green Mobility will build a plant with capacity of 4000-5,000 buses in the initial phase, and shall ramp up production capacity going forward.

EaseMyTrip, through its subsidiary Easy Green Mobility will be operating via YoloBus; YoloBus aims to redefine intercity bus travel for Indian passengers through unparalleled services. Additionally, through YOLOBus; EaseMyTrip will accelerate nationwide transition to net zero carbon mobility in Buses. By 2027-28 the target is to operate 2000+ electric buses across the country.

Together in Consortium Easy Green Mobility + YOLOBus, EaseMyTrip will set a new benchmark for the EV & Mobility industry and solidify its leading position in innovative and sustainable travel solutions. The new subsidiary will leverage EaseMyTrip’s robust brand presence and industry expertise to play a pivotal role in the dynamic EV market. Integrating cutting-edge technology with robust manufacturing practices, it aims to produce high-performance electric buses to enhance efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort.