SWITCH Mobility Ltd, part of the Hinduja Group, and intercity mobility operator PURPLE BUS have launched an electric bus service on the Nagpur–Chandrapur route, bringing electric intercity travel to the Vidarbha region. The launch was marked by the flag-off of the first six buses from an order of 50 SWITCH EiV12m intercity electric coaches for deployment in the region. The event took place in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The launch coincided with Dussehra, a festival associated with new beginnings. The new service aims to improve connectivity between Nagpur and Chandrapur by offering commuters a comfortable, reliable and more environment-friendly travel option.

This marks the third intercity deployment between SWITCH Mobility and Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions in 2026. The partnership previously introduced electric coaches on the Mumbai–Pune route in April and the Dombivli–Pune route in October. These deployments reflect the growing use of electric buses on busy intercity routes.

Speaking about the launch, Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said, “Nagpur and Chandrapur share a close economic and cultural relationship, and strengthening this corridor with our partner Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions is an important step in our mission to build future-ready public transport across India. Following our deployment on the Mumbai - Pune route earlier this year, we are glad to extend this partnership to Vidarbha and to contribute to the region’s growth by supporting the everyday movement of the people who depend on it. This launch reaffirms our commitment to sustainable, people-first mobility solutions in Maharashtra and beyond.”

Saurabh Patwadhan, Director of PURPLE BUS, said, “At PURPLE BUS, our goal is to make electric the default way people travel between cities, not the exception. We are building that future route by route, from Mumbai–Pune, one of India’s busiest corridors, to Nagpur–Chandrapur, where we now bring Vidarbha its first electric bus service. Our fleet has already covered more than one million kilometres (10 lakh km) in electric intercity operations, and the data shows what many operators doubted: electric coaches deliver a lower total cost of ownership and a lower cost per passenger-kilometre than diesel. Our partnership with SWITCH Mobility has been central to proving that, and it gives us the confidence to scale sustainable intercity mobility across Maharashtra.”

Strengthening Public Mobility in Vidarbha

The Nagpur–Chandrapur service adds to SWITCH Mobility’s expanding partnership with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions. By connecting two key centres in Vidarbha, the service is expected to support daily travel, improve regional connectivity and contribute to local economic activity while encouraging cleaner transport.

The SWITCH EiV12m intercity coach is designed for long-distance journeys, combining passenger comfort with operational efficiency. Each bus features 45 pushback seats, a range of up to 350 km per charge and fast-charging capability. It also comes with advanced safety systems, a quieter ride and SWITCH iON connected technology for real-time monitoring, supporting reliable operations and a comfortable travel experience.

Air India has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Osaka, Japan, from February 2, 2027, strengthening air connectivity between India and Japan. With this addition, Air India will become the only airline operating non-stop services on the Delhi–Osaka route.

The airline will operate four weekly flights between Delhi and Kansai International Airport in Osaka using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Osaka will become Air India's second destination in Japan after Tokyo Haneda, which is currently served by daily flights from Delhi and four weekly flights from Mumbai.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft deployed on the route features 18 full-flat beds in Business Class and 241 seats in Economy Class, offering passengers a choice of travel options between the two countries.

A Convenient Schedule for Travellers

The new service has been planned to support convenient travel between the two destinations. Flight AI360 will depart Delhi at 10:50 PM and arrive in Osaka at 9:50 AM the following day. The return service, AI359, will depart Osaka at 11:50 AM and reach Delhi at 6:20 PM on the same day.

The schedule will also provide onward connectivity to destinations across Air India's domestic and international network.

The addition of Osaka will give travellers greater flexibility when planning multi-city itineraries. Passengers will be able to fly into Osaka and return from Tokyo, or travel in the opposite direction, making it easier to explore Japan's popular Golden Route, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Japan's Growing Appeal Among Indian Travellers

The new route comes amid growing interest in Japan among Indian travellers. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, more than 315,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan in 2025, marking a 35% increase over 2024 and nearly 80% growth compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Rising interest in Japan's cultural attractions, culinary experiences and leisure destinations, alongside strengthening business and people-to-people ties, continues to support travel demand between the two countries.

Air India's Delhi–Osaka service is expected to offer travellers another direct connection to Japan while supporting tourism and business travel. The flights are being progressively opened for bookings through Air India's official website, mobile app, customer contact centre, airport ticketing offices and travel agents worldwide.

Flight Schedule: Delhi–Osaka

All timings are local. (+1) indicates arrival on the following calendar day. Services commence on February 2, 2027.

Air India and Air India Express have revised fuel surcharges on domestic and select international routes following continued volatility and increases in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The revised charges apply to new bookings made from October 9, 2026, with different implementation times for the two airlines.

Air India Express implemented the revised surcharges from 0000 hrs IST on October 9, while Air India introduced the changes from 1100 hrs IST on the same day.

According to the airlines, ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months amid geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets. The latest increase has added to airline operating costs, with fuel accounting for a substantial share of overall expenditure.

Under the revised structure, domestic fuel surcharges will vary according to flight distance. For one-way journeys covering 0–500 km, the surcharge will be INR 400. Flights covering 501–1,000 km will attract INR 600, while journeys between 1,001 and 1,500 km will carry a surcharge of INR 850. For distances of 1,501–2,000 km and above, the surcharge will be INR 1,200.

For international one-way journeys, the revised fuel surcharge will be USD 215 for North America and USD 210 for Australia. Flights to Europe, including the UK, will attract a surcharge of USD 135, while routes to West Asia and the Middle East will carry a surcharge of USD 55.

The revised charges will apply to itineraries originating from or travelling into India. The airlines stated that the changes are intended to partially offset higher fuel costs while supporting continued operations across their respective networks. Air India and Air India Express will periodically review the surcharges and may make further adjustments depending on fuel price movements and prevailing market conditions.