Happy News For Flyers in Bengaluru; Travel to City From Terminal 2 Becomes Easier and Cheaper Now

 The road commute from Bengaluru city to the Kempegowda International Airport’s newly-opened Terminal-2 has become smooth and hasslefree with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) starting bus services from the Airport.

Named Vayu Vajra, the new bus service will benefit a large number of commuters as nearly 7000 passengers travel each day from the airport towards the city. The bus service to Terminal 1 was already operational and now the passengers can board the same bus to Terminal 2 as well, BMTC said, "Hello Commuters. Yes, you heard it right. Now we are operating the buses from Terminal 2 also.

For safe, comfortable and affordable journey opt BMTC services. Bringing our service at your door steps," BMTC Tweeted. The BMTC has been running trial services for the last two months up to T2 and it receive a good response from the flyers, the officials informed. During trials, the service was based on demand. Now, it has been converted into regular services. The bus fare will remain the same for either of the terminals, which is around Rs 230- 260, BMTC added. Cab from KIA to the city often costs hefty amounts, crossing Rs 1000 at times.

The decision was welcomed by several citizens as connectivity to KIA has always been a concern. "The bus service made my journey easy for sure. Got out of T2 and the bus to Banashankari was waiting to leave. This was much needed," a flyer who used the BMTC service said. Some city residents demanded more stops for the service while others asked to extend the terminal points on different routes. BMTC is planning to expand its fleet with approximately 1,900 buses by the end of this year. Among these, 921 buses will be low-floor electric buses that will be introduced in batches of 100 every month, starting from the end of July.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6540

Indigo launches new flights to Abu Dhabi from Lucknow and Ahmedabad

IndiGo has announced new connections Lucknow-Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad-Abu Dhabi, effective July 12, 2023, and August 11, 2023, respectively. These flights aim to strengthen international connectivity and cater to the rising demand for travel to the Middle East, strengthening IndiGo’s connectivity to Abu Dhabi.

Currently, IndiGo already operates flights to Abu Dhabi from five major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Hyderabad. The addition of these routes will enhance the accessibility and convenience for passengers travelling from north and west India to the cosmopolitan capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Vinay Malhotra, Head Global Sales, IndiGo said, “As part of our mission to enhance accessibility and connect India with international markets, we have introduced new flights between Lucknow-Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad-Abu Dhabi. With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo now operates 49 weekly flights into Abu Dhabi from 7 cities in India. The introduction of these flights will not only provide more options to customers planning vacations and business trips but also boost trade to Abu Dhabi, which also has a strong textile industry. We will continue to offer new options and remain committed to our promise of courteous, hassle-free, on-time, and affordable travel experience across an unparalleled network.”

Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world-class destination over the years. The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism recently announced its plan to attract 24 million visitors by 2023. The launch of additional flights by IndiGo will allow people to discover more entertainment and travel options in Abu Dhabi.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6525/Indigo-launches-new-flights-to-Abu-Dhabi-from-Lucknow-and-Ahmedabad

Himachal Pradesh's artificial lakes to turn into vibrant tourists destinations

 Rules are being formulated for artificial lakes in Himachal Pradesh to prolong the stay of tourists besides offering them a variety of memorable experiences

The Himachal Pradesh government is contemplating to develop artificial reservoirs as vibrant tourist destinations offering a range of adventure activities like water sports, angling, bird watching and eco-tourism, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday.

In a statement issued here, he said rules are being formulated to govern the operations of these activities with an objective to prolong the stay of tourists besides offering them a variety of memorable experiences.

The hill state is endowed with bountiful lakes and reservoirs, mainly with glaciers as their source. The state government has plans to explore the possibility of giving a fillip to lake tourism to empower local community by promoting home stays, street food corners, restaurants, resorts and hotels in close proximity to these artificial water bodies, he said.

The chief minister said the state also intends to promote water based attractions such as house boats, cruises, yachts as well as water sports in its reservoirs.

The main focus is to start such activities at Pong dam in Kangra, Kol dam, Bhakra reservoir in Bilaspur, Larji reservoir in Kullu, Tattapani near Shimla and Chamera dam in Chamba, he added.

Meanwhile, the Kangra administration has been directed to identify suitable sites to create an artificial lake, spanning one to two kilometers along a perennial river route.

"Additionally, 5.75 hectares of land has been identified in Nagrota for setting up a wellness centre and an artificial lake with world-class fountains. The government has allocated ₹70 crore for promoting adventure tourism activities in Pong Dam in Kangra district which will attract adventure sports lovers to the state," Sukhu noted.

The state intends to increase the influx of tourists, that is, to attract 5 crore tourists in the coming four to five years which will significantly contribute to employment and self-employment avenues for the youth besides strengthening the economy of the state, he added.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6527/Himachal-Pradesh-s-artificial-lakes-to-turn-into-vibrant-tourists-destinations

Air India Express launches ‘Xpress Ahead’ services

 Air India Express (AIXL), the market leader on India-Middle East routes, has unveiled its exclusive priority services, ‘Xpress Ahead,’ aimed at elevating the overall travel experience for its guests. The programme offers a comprehensive range of priority services and benefits, ensuring a seamless journey from check-in to landing for guests who opt to enhance their travel experience for a nominal fee. This includes premium services like a dedicated check-in counter at the airport, priority baggage handling, priority boarding, and expedited baggage delivery upon arrival.

‘Xpress Ahead’ services are currently available for purchase exclusively at Indian airports for international flights operated by Air India Express. Guests can conveniently add-on ‘Xpress Ahead’ services at the airport check-in counter until the counter closure time. The option to pre-book ‘Xpress Ahead’ online on international flights will also soon be made available across the entire Air India Express network. Additionally, for domestic travel, guests flying with sister Air India group airline, AirAsia India have the option to pre-book ‘Xpress Ahead’ services on the mobile app, or the consolidated airline website airindiaexpress.com or at all domestic airports.

The introduction of a common brand and proposition of ‘Xpress Ahead’ services across Air India Express and AirAsia India comes a week after the airline announced the launch of a common revamped in-flight dining menu under the brand ‘Gourmair’. The revamped Gourmair in-flight dining menu offers a diverse range of hot meals, lite bites, seasonal fruits and fusion desserts to cater to domestic and international guests’.

The introduction of ‘Xpress Ahead’, along with other recent enhancements, is another step in the integration of the two subsidiary airlines of Air India and demonstrates the airline’s unwavering dedication to providing seamless, efficient, and exceptional services to its valued guests.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6533

Australia issues new visa rules for Indian students

 Beginning July 1, Indian graduates studying in Australian tertiary institutions will be able to apply for work without visa sponsorship for up to eight years.

In addition, the allowable work-hour cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight, along with a two-year work visa extension.

Earlier this month, India and Australia signed a migration and mobility partnership pact to open up opportunities for students, academic researchers and business people.

Coming under this pact, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) will make 3,000 annual spots available for young professionals from India, allowing them to spend two years in the country without requiring visa sponsorship.

As a temporary visa programme, MATES includes graduates from recognised Indian universities with degrees in specialised fields of study.

The eligible fields of occupation for the MATES Visa, include engineering, mining, financial technology, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, agricultural technology and renewable energy.

To be eligible for the MATES visa program, candidates must be below the age of 31, should have obtained their education from a recognised and verified university, and must be at the early stages of their careers.

The fee and visa processing time for the MATES visa is yet to be announced.

Australia said this April that it intends to overhaul its immigration system to speed up getting highly skilled workers into the country.

In a bid to lure skilled migrants, the government said the visa process for high-skilled professionals will be made swift and easy, and steps would be taken to retain international students.

Also, starting July 1, the allowable work-hour cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight, along with a two-year work visa extension.

The revised cap will help international students to support themselves through their studies, while maintaining study as the primary purpose of their visa.

Student visa work restrictions were relaxed throughout the pandemic, and they were completely removed in January 2022 to allow primary and secondary student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight to address workforce shortages.

The government also announced that a two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage.

This extension will give eligible international higher education graduates an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live, and work in regional areas.

For select Bachelor degrees, post-study work rights will be increased from two to four years, three to five years for select Masters degree, and four to six years for all doctoral qualifications.

There are 1,00,009 Indian students studying across various Australian universities, according to a 2022 Ministry of External Affairs data.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6500

India’s first hydrogen train likely to run from Haryana’s Jind by 2024

 Come 2024, India will have its own hydrogen train running on the tracks. Indian Railways' much-anticipated hydrogen train will depart from Jind in Haryana by next year. The happy news was announced by Shobhan Chaudhry, General manager of Northern Railway (GM), during her visit to Haryana’s Jind district.

Let’s know more about India’s first hydrogen train:
1) Hydrogen trains basically run on hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells combine oxygen and hydrogen to create electricity which drives the motors of the train. Also, hydrogen is a sustainable fuel.
2) It will be India’s first hydrogen train.
3) The first prototype of the train will have eight bogies.
4) The first hydrogen fuel-powered train will run between Jind and Sonipat.
5) Hydrogen trains are environmentally beneficial as compared to traditional diesel trains as they do not emit dangerous pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and particulate matter.
6) As per officials, hydrogen trains are running only in Germany.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6498

Karnataka: Those visiting eco-tourism sites will now get insurance cover

 As per the latest development, all tiger reserves and heads of wildlife divisions have been ordered to extend insurance coverage to all ticket-holders across Karnataka. This has been ordered by the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife).

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar stated that the insurance cost will be adjusted with the gate fee, which is collected at these sites.
This move comes in the wake of ensuring the safety of tourists visiting eco-tourism sites in Karnataka.
Home to some of the best-maintained tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Karnataka’s forests have numerous eco-tourism destinations. These eco-tourism destinations are also known for offering several adventure activities, such as kayaking, trekking, boat travel, rafting, visit to waterfalls, and safaris, and attract tons of travellers yearly.

Home to some of the best-maintained tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Karnataka’s forests have numerous eco-tourism destinations. These eco-tourism destinations are also known for offering several adventure activities, such as kayaking, trekking, boat travel, rafting, visit to waterfalls, and safaris, and attract tons of travellers yearly.
However, many of these adventure activities do carry a risk quotient, which can range from sudden honey bee attacks to wildlife attacks, drowning, which at times led to death, and permanent or partial disability. However, all this while, none of these activities had any insurance cover. Only in some exceptional cases, travellers were compensated from either the forest department or the state’s relief fund.
Even though Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) used to provide insurance cover to its travellers while carrying out such activities or during visits to these sites, there was no insurance offered from the forest department.
Pushkar further added that now they want to extend a similar benefit to general travellers who may visit these destinations without booking through JLR or by directly buying tickets to take part in adventure activities. Also, their insurance cost will be adjusted with the gate fee that is collected at these sites. He added that they will collaborate with insurance agencies and provide insurance cover to travellers.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6493/Karnataka-Those-visiting-eco-tourism-sites-will-now-get-insurance-cover

Costa launches new India Cruises

 Costa Cruises will offer a new cruise program exclusively dedicated to India. The announcement was made today in Mumbai, in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India; Roberto Alberti, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Costa Cruises; Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region and Growth Markets, Costa Cruises; Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, and other senior officials.

The Italian company for India chose the ship the Costa Serena, which, after itineraries from Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan, will further extend its deployment in Asia. There are a total of 23 new sailings in India from 4 November 2023 to 1 January 2024, designed in collaboration with Costa’s General Sales Agent in India, Lotus Aero Enterprises. They will exclusively visit domestic destinations, giving Indian guests the opportunity to discover some of their country’s most beautiful locations from a unique point of view. The itineraries, lasting between two, three and five days, will call at Mumbai, Cochin, Goa and, for the first time ever, Lakshadweep, a beautiful tropical archipelago with white beaches and a magnificent coral reef.

Speaking at the occasion, Roberto Alberti, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Costa Cruises, said, “We have a strong and lasting bond with this wonderful Country: we have already sailed our ships in India in the past, and many of our onboard colleagues are from India. We select and recruit them through dedicated training schools based right in the Country. We are strongly committed to offering our Indian guests a unique holiday experience onboard Costa Serena and we are truly looking forward to starting our operations in November. Costa Serena will be the largest cruise ship to operate domestic itineraries in India.”
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India said, “India’s waterways are a treasure trove waiting to be explored by tourists; our country is filled with scenic locales and beautiful destinations. I am happy to know about the new cruise programme exclusively dedicated to India by Costa Cruises. This programme also aligns with Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ – an initiative that was launched as an appeal by the honourable Prime Minister to Indians to prefer domestic tourism.”

Costa Serena is an Italian-flagged ship built by Fincantieri, which entered service in 2007. With 114,000 gross tons and a capacity of up to 3,780 guests. On board, guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be customized to the tastes of Indian guests.

The ship has a total of 1500 cabins, 505 of which have private balconies, and 14 passenger decks. To make the most of their cruise on board, guests can choose from a wellness center and a gym with a sea view, a beauty salon, a theater, restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine, bars, 4 swimming pools, 2 of which have a self-propelled glass roof, a shopping area, and a kids’ club for children and teenagers.

Costa Serena sailings in India are ideal for both families and couples, who can take advantage of the Diwali festivities for a holiday together. The cruises are also a great option for wedding ceremonies, groups and corporate incentive travel, thanks to the ship being able to offer reserved areas and services.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6495

Boosting tourism in Northeast: The transformation of Guwahati Airport into a hub

 The transformation of Guwahati Airport into a hub and the development of airports across the Northeast will act as catalysts for trade and tourism growth in the region. It will attract international players and investment, paving the way for the establishment of world-class hotels and hospitality services across the Northeast. The influx of tourists and investment will stimulate the local economy, creating job opportunities and fostering sustainable development.

By Rahul Rai
The Northeast region of India has always possessed immense potential as a tourist destination, with its breath-taking natural beauty, vibrant folk culture, and rich artistic heritage. However, this potential has often remained untapped due to a lack of infrastructure and connectivity.
Fortunately, with the recent development and expansion of Guwahati Airport, this is all set to change. The proposed transformation of Guwahati Airport into a regional hub will not only boost tourism in the city but also have a significant impact on the entire Northeast region.
The government has been actively promoting the Northeast as a tourist destination, recognising its unique offerings and economic potential.
Now, with private players like Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).
What we can expect is the proliferation of hotels across all star categories. The influx of travellers, both domestic and international, will create a surge in demand for accommodation options that cater to varying budgets and preferences. This presents an opportunity for the hospitality industry to flourish, with hotels springing up in all categories, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star establishments.
Additionally, the development of Guwahati Airport as a hub will attract international players who have long overlooked the Northeast on their expansion maps. Their entry into the region will not only introduce renowned hotel brands but also bring in their expertise and global standards of service. This infusion of international players will give the One of the major advantages of Guwahati Airport becoming a hub is the improved connectivity it will bring. The development of roads and flyovers, along with enhanced air travel options, will facilitate easy and convenient travel within and between all the Northeastern states. This increased connectivity will be a game-changer for discerning travellers who have long been interested in visiting the region but were deterred by the lack of infrastructure. With improved accessibility, planning a vacation in the North East will no longer be a challenge.

In a recent conference held at Guwahati Airport, the focus was on promoting tourism in the Northeast. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah,
AAHL officials, airline services representatives, and dignitaries from regional tourist agencies. During the conference, Minister Mallabaruah emphasised the positive impact of air travel on cultural exchange and the tourism industry, which is a major driver of economic growth in Assam.
Furthermore, AAHL presented an ambitious roadmap to transform Guwahati Airport into a sophisticated and developed facility, with the aim of establishing it as a regional hub.
The significance of this development extends beyond Guwahati and Assam. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has also recognised the immense potential of the North East, stating that it can become a major centre of world tourism and a favourite destination for both business and leisure travellers.
The government's focus on enhancing connectivity in the region, of airports across the Northeast will act as catalysts for trade and tourism growth in the region. It will provide opportunities for local produce, such as the world-famous orchids of Arunachal Pradesh, to reach markets across India in a matter of hours. Additionally, the influx of tourists and investments will stimulate the local economy, creating job opportunities and fostering sustainable development.
The development of Guwahati Airport into a regional hub will also attract the attention of international players in the tourism industry.
Previously, the Northeast was often overlooked on their expansion maps due to the lack of infrastructure. However, with the improved connectivity and facilities offered by the transformed airport, these players will now consider the region as a promising destination. This
influx of international investments and collaborations will not only elevate the tourism sector but also have a ripple effect on other industries, including hospitality, transportation, and local businesses.
It is essential to acknowledge the efforts of the government, private players like AAHL, and various stakeholders in realizing the potential of the Northeast as a tourism hub. Their collaborative approach and vision for development have laid the foundation for the region's transformation.
However, it is crucial to ensure that this development is sustainable, mindful of environmental conservation, and respectful of the unique cultural heritage of the Northeast.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6469/Boosting-tourism-in-Northeast-The-transformation-of-Guwahati-Airport-into-a-hub

Finland introduces world’s first phone-free tourist island, Ulko-Tammio

 Those travelling to the island of Ulko-Tammio, located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, will be asked to keep their phones in their pockets this summer. The aim is to encourage holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices, take a break from social media and enjoy nature. Ulko-Tammio is believed to be the world’s first phone-free tourist island.

The Eastern Gulf of Finland boasts plenty of beautiful islands awaiting explorers. Rugged islands, lush swimming spots and charming coastal villages are all characterised by nature, peace and the Baltic Sea.

“The island of Ulko-Tammio, which is located off the coast of Hamina, will be a phone-free area this summer. We want to urge holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices and to stop and genuinely enjoy the islands,” explained Mats Selin, an expert in island tourism at Visit Kotka-Hamina.

The campaign is hoped to encourage people to take a break from social media and smart devices outside the island, too. The staff of Parks & Wildlife Finland, the company which manages the island, are also excited about the campaign.

“We encourage visitors to put their phones away voluntarily and to focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones. This is a great initiative that could be implemented in other nature and recreational destinations, too,” said Joel Heino, Manager, Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Management at Parks & Wildlife Finland.

Summer is the high season of digital fasting
Technology is part of our everyday lives, and many people find it difficult to put their phone down even on holiday. Sharing your holiday activities on social media might feel more important than simply enjoying the moment. We take our smartphones with us everywhere, so many people are always within reach and spend any idle moments they have scrolling through their social media feed.

“People are not meant to be glued to screens all the time. Even a short digital fast can be useful and improve our well-being and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression,” said Terhi Mustonen, psychologist and Program Manager of the Limitless Gaming and Limitless Social Media programmes at the Sosped Foundation..

Summer holidays are a fantastic opportunity to take a break from technology and to enjoy genuine experiences, and Ulko-Tammio is an ideal phone-free island. Located far from the mainland, the island boasts interesting history, nature, birds – along with a birdwatching tower – and a cabin maintained by Parks & Wildlife Finland.

“Switching off your phone, exploring nature and meeting people face to face are bound to boost your mood and well-being. We spend countless hours scrolling our social media feeds, so taking a short break from them means you have more time for new experiences. I’d like to see more initiatives like this that promote digital fasting,” said Sari Castrén, psychologist and Research Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Interest in the Eastern Gulf of Finland is on the rise
The Eastern Gulf of Finland boasts a 30-nautical-mile-wide national park, where the island of Ulko-Tammio is located.

“The eastern side of the Gulf of Finland is home to a unique group of islands you won’t find elsewhere. According to our research, interest in the islands of the Eastern Gulf of Finland is also on the rise among Finnish tourists looking for a nearcation destination”, Selin explains.

Participation in digital fasting is voluntary, and the island is covered by a functioning mobile network.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6474/Finland-introduces-world-s-first-phone-free-tourist-island-Ulko-Tammio

Air India Finalizes Order for Up to 290 Boeing Single-Aisle and Widebody Jets

 Boeing and Air India have announced that they have finalized an order for up to 290 new Boeing jets and expanded services. At the 2023 Paris Air Show, the companies held a signing ceremony to celebrate the historic purchase of Boeing’s market-leading single-aisle and widebody jets to renew and expand Air India’s fleet.

The order, which includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets with options for 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners, is Boeing’s largest order in South Asia and highlights its 90-year partnership with Air India.

A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia’s rapidly growing aviation market. Over the next 20 years, South Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 airplanes to meet passenger demand. The companies announced in February that Air India had selected these Boeing models to serve its strategy for sustainable growth.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6478/Air-India-Finalizes-Order-for-Up-to-290-Boeing-Single-Aisle-and-Widebody-Jets

Kerala Tourism to launch app for solo women travellers

 In a bid to woo female solo travellers, Kerala Tourism has decided to introduce an app catering to the needs of women travelling alone and in groups of their own. This mobile application will feature women-friendly tourism packages, women tourist operators and guides. All this makes travelling in the state for women easy, comfortable and -free.

The government has asked the State Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission), the nodal agency for implementing the ‘Women-Friendly Tourism’ project, to come up with content for the same. This shall have all the location-specific information along with the correct images of the place.
The release shared by Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas mentioned that they wish to make “conducive ambience for women tourists" in Kerala.
“We are living in a world where it has become a trend for women to travel to far off places in groups of their own or individually. The app on women-friendly tourism project will make the visit to Kerala more pleasant and hassle-free for women," he said.
The initiative was started in October 2022, along the UN Women’s ‘Gender Inclusive Tourism’ concept. The department is also planning to come up with a range of women-friendly tourism products and packages as well.

The state tourism department aims at participation of 1.5 lakh women from the state as the project has the support of several organisations including UN Women. As per the release, the target is to create 10,000 women ventures and 30,000 jobs in the tourism sector.
The mobile app will have all the details of women-friendly resorts, hotels, women enterprises, recognised tour operators, women tour operators, travel agencies, homestays and women tour guides. The department also mentioned that the app will feature women-led handicraft and souvenirs.

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6454/Kerala-Tourism-to-launch-app-for-solo-women-travellers

Kolkata Bangkok Highway likely to open in coming 4 years; details inside

 This is definitely the god of all road trips in Asia! Yes, you read that right. Very soon, Bangkok will be connected with Kolkata by road! The two prominent cities in Asia will be connected via Kolkata-Bangkok highway and will enhance links between India and Thailand.

The trilateral highway, as a part of the BIMSTEC project, could be completed within the next three to four years. The news was shared during a business conclave by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.

Here are some important facts:
1) This road will start from Bangkok and go through prominent cities such as Sukhothai and Mae Sot in Thailand, Yangon, Mandalay, Kalewa, and Tamu in Myanmar, before reaching India.
2) In India, the highway will pass through Moreh, Kohima, Guwahati, Srirampur and Siliguri before reaching Kolkata.
3) The highway will cover a total distance of over 2800 km.
4) The longest stretch would be in India and the smallest would be in Thailand.
5) A part of the highway in Thailand is already complete.
6) The Tamu to Kalewa road of this highway will cost nearly US$ 27.28 million.
With this in the offing, get ready for the most exciting road trip in this part of the world very soon!

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/6456/Kolkata-Bangkok-Highway-likely-to-open-in-coming-4-years-details-inside