Tag Archives: connectivity

Mizoram Transport Minister advocates for Tuirial Dam development

 

Mizoram Transport Minister Vanlalhlana has urged prioritising the development of the Tuirial Dam to harness its potential for river cruise tourism and goods transportation, according to an official release.

Speaking at the 2nd Inland Waterway Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kaziranga, Assam, Vanlalhlana emphasised the strategic importance of the dam. The event was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Vanlalhlana highlighted that the Tuirial Dam, originally built for generating 40 MW of hydroelectric power, could also serve as a key waterway for goods and passenger transport. He proposed transforming the surrounding areas into an ecotourism hub, generating economic opportunities for local communities.

“A detailed preliminary survey of the dam and its ecosystem is crucial to assess the feasibility of transportation and tourism projects,” Vanlalhlana said, stressing the importance of utilising the dam’s untapped potential.

He noted that Mizoram’s rugged terrain has historically impeded connectivity and economic growth. “Inland Water Transport presents a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address these challenges,” he added.

The IWDC meeting also discussed enhancing cargo and passenger movement while promoting river cruise tourism. The Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) announced projects worth INR 1,405.26 crore across 21 States and Union Territories, including INR 21.1 crore for Mizoram’s inland water transport initiatives.

Key projects in Mizoram include IWT development on the Tlawng and Chhimtuipui rivers, along with building IWT infrastructure along the Khawthlangtuipui-Tuichawng stretch in Lunglei district. These initiatives aim to transform Mizoram’s waterways into vital transportation and tourism corridors, bolstering the State’s connectivity and economic prospects.

Air India Express adds Mumbai–Varanasi flights

 

Starting 15th February 2025, Tata-owned low-cost carrier Air India Express (IX) will launch daily non-stop flights between Mumbai (BOM) and Varanasi (VNS). This marks the airline’s first direct connection between India’s financial capital and its spiritual capital. The new route aims to enhance connectivity and cater to increasing travel demand, especially during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Flight IX 2546 will depart Mumbai at 13:20 IST and arrive in Varanasi at 15:40 IST, with a flight duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes. The return flight, IX 2547, will depart Varanasi at 16:15 IST and land in Mumbai at 18:30 IST. The service will utilize Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which can accommodate 176–178 passengers, depending on configuration.

Air India Express will face stiff competition on the Mumbai–Varanasi route, which currently sees six daily flights operated by four airlines—IndiGo (6E), Akasa Air (QP), SpiceJet (SG), and Air India (AI). With the new addition, the sector will expand to seven daily flights, further intensifying competition.

Varanasi is not new to Air India Express, which already connects the city with Hyderabad (HYD), Bengaluru (BLR), and Sharjah (SHJ). These include domestic daily flights to Hyderabad and thrice-daily flights to Bengaluru, as well as an international daily flight to Sharjah in the UAE. The addition of Mumbai strengthens the airline’s growing network in this critical market.

Vande Bharat likely to be extended to Jammu

 

The Ministry of Railways is considering extending the Amritsar-Delhi Vande Bharat Express train to Jammu, following the decision to establish a separate Jammu railway division. Sources indicate that an official announcement regarding the extension could be made on January 26. The move comes over a year after the train was inaugurated, offering improved connectivity between Amritsar and Delhi.

With the creation of the Jammu division, approximately 742 km of the Ferozepur division, including key routes such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur and Batala-Pathankot, will come under its jurisdiction. This restructuring will significantly reduce the area managed by the Ferozepur division, paving the way for better administrative efficiency.

The Amritsar-Delhi Vande Bharat Express currently has a seating capacity of 530, divided between the chair car and executive class. The eight-coach train, known for its advanced features and reduced travel time of 5.30 hours, will also undergo an expansion in coaches to accommodate more passengers. Running six days a week, the train halts at major stations like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Ambala.

A “Make in India” initiative, the Vande Bharat Express operates without traditional locomotives, featuring advanced technology that converts electric power into mechanical energy. This modern system ensures efficient and sustainable operations, solidifying its status as a flagship offering of Indian Railways.

Srinagar-Katra rail link to boost tourism: Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has emphasised the transformative potential of the Srinagar-Jammu rail connectivity for the region.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said, “The trial train from Srinagar to Katra marks a significant milestone. We anticipate that this service will commence operations soon, bringing substantial benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Highlighting the advantages of the rail link, he stated, “This connectivity will boost trade and tourism in the region. During winters, air travel becomes prohibitively expensive, with ticket prices reaching up to Rs 25,000. Rail connectivity will ease the financial burden on travellers, enhance the transport of goods, and significantly benefit industries in the region.”

Addressing concerns from some quarters, the Chief Minister assured the people of Jammu that the new rail link would not lead to economic losses but instead drive growth. “I assure the people of Jammu that this development will bring economic benefits, creating opportunities for trade, tourism, and local businesses,” he added.

The Srinagar-Katra rail link is poised to revolutionize travel within the region, providing an affordable and reliable alternative to air travel and strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s economic infrastructure. (Source: ANN News)

 

Air India launches in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic and international flights

 

Air India has officially launched in-flight Wi-Fi internet connectivity on domestic and international flights. The service is currently available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft, making Air India the first airline to provide in-flight Wi-Fi on flights within India. This development allows travellers to stay connected during their journey, whether for leisure or business, enabling them to browse the internet, use social media, work, or communicate with friends and family.

Highlighting the significance of this service, Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India, remarked, “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever be one’s purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft.” The service supports multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems, and allows passengers to connect multiple devices simultaneously at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

The introduction of Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows a pilot program on international flights, which included Airbus A350, select Airbus A321neo, and Boeing 787-9 aircraft operating on routes to destinations like New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. For an introductory period, the Wi-Fi service is offered free of charge. Air India plans to gradually extend this connectivity service to more aircraft in its fleet, ensuring a consistent experience for travelers on both domestic and international routes.

To access the service, travellers can enable Wi-Fi on their device, select the ‘Air India Wi-Fi’ network, and follow the steps on the Air India portal by entering their PNR and last name. However, in-flight Wi-Fi performance may vary depending on factors such as satellite connectivity, bandwidth usage, routes, and government regulations.

Record 94.83 lakh pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi in 2024

 

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir recorded its second-highest number of pilgrims in a decade, with 94.83 lakh devotees visiting in 2024, according to Anshul Garg, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). This marks the third consecutive year the shrine has welcomed over 90 lakh visitors, solidifying its position as one of India’s most visited religious sites.

Efforts are underway to enhance the pilgrimage experience, with ongoing infrastructure projects like the New Vaishnavi Bhawan featuring family rooms, an all-weather queue complex at Darshani Deodi and Banganga, and a dedicated exit track for crowd management. These developments aim to offer greater convenience for devotees, reflecting the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Improved connectivity to Katra, including the Vande Bharat train and the soon-to-be-completed Delhi-Katra Express, is expected to boost footfall further. Garg emphasised the significance of these initiatives in accommodating the growing number of pilgrims.

The Board’s infrastructure upgrades underscore its dedication to enhancing the spiritual journey for devotees. With the completion of these projects by 2025, the shrine is set to welcome even more visitors, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual importance in the country.