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By Hariharan U
Published on July 22, 2026
Antara Cruises, South Asia’s largest luxury river cruise operator, has announced plans to invest over ₹500 crore over the next five years to position Assam as India’s premier luxury river cruise destination.
The investment will focus on expanding the company’s fleet, strengthening tourism infrastructure, and developing a broader river cruise ecosystem along the Brahmaputra, supporting the growth of high-value tourism in Northeast India.
The announcement follows a meeting between Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Antara Cruises, and Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary of Assam, where the company presented its long-term roadmap for developing luxury river cruise tourism in the state.
The investment comes as India’s river cruise sector witnesses growing momentum. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, river cruise voyages on India’s National Waterways increased by 19.4% during FY2024-25. Under the Government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, 51 river cruise circuits are planned across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027.
With global river cruising already established as a major tourism segment, Antara Cruises believes the Brahmaputra has the potential to emerge as a world-class destination for premium travellers seeking immersive experiences beyond traditional tourism hubs.
As part of its expansion strategy, Antara Cruises will introduce four new purpose-built luxury river cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra. The first vessel is expected to launch next year, followed by the addition of one vessel annually.
Each vessel will be designed to accommodate approximately 80 guests and engineered specifically for the navigational conditions of the Brahmaputra. The ships will feature shallow-draft technology and comply with the latest Inland Vessels Act and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards.
The new vessels will complement MV Ganga Vilas, Antara Cruises’ flagship luxury river cruise vessel currently operating on the Brahmaputra, significantly increasing Assam’s capacity to attract premium domestic and international travellers.
Commenting on the development, Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Antara Cruises, said, "Our discussions with the Chief Secretary were extremely encouraging. Our priority is to build an enabling ecosystem for river cruising through improved jetties, road connectivity, shore power, safety, and seamless guest movement across destinations. With the right infrastructure in place, Assam has the potential to become India's leading river cruise destination."
He added, "Around the world, river cruising has transformed regional economies by bringing high-value travellers to destinations beyond major cities. We believe the Brahmaputra can do the same for Northeast India, creating sustainable employment, supporting local businesses and positioning India on the global luxury river cruise map."
Antara Cruises has been working closely with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to support the development of luxury river cruising in the region. The company’s engagement with the Assam administration aims to align its expansion plans with the state’s tourism and infrastructure priorities.
Sustainability remains a key focus of the upcoming vessels, with planned features including onboard sewage treatment plants, advanced water filtration systems, shore power connectivity to reduce emissions while docked, and WWF-approved dolphin deterrent technology to protect the Brahmaputra ecosystem.
"These are purpose-built ships for the Brahmaputra. Every aspect of their design reflects the river's unique characteristics while adhering to the highest environmental and operational standards," added Singh.
Sharing details of the meeting, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota highlighted that the proposed investment could help establish Assam as a globally recognised luxury river cruise destination while creating approximately 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The initiative is also expected to support local businesses, artisans, and communities while creating skill development opportunities for Assamese youth across hospitality, cruise operations, culinary services, and marine engineering.
With its planned investment, fleet expansion, and focus on sustainable tourism infrastructure, Antara Cruises aims to establish the Brahmaputra as one of Asia’s leading inland luxury cruise destinations while contributing to Assam’s tourism-led economic growth.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 24, 2026
Regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination, further expanding its regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With the new addition, the airline now serves four destinations across the two states.
The airline will connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, supporting travel for pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and students across southern India. Bookings for the new Tirupati services are now open through FLY91’s website and travel agency network.
Tirupati is one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and is home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, which attracts millions of devotees. Beyond pilgrimage, the city is also an important educational, cultural and commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh.
Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, "The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on 'Connecting Bharat' through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India's growing regional markets."
FLY91 will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights between Tirupati and Vijayawada will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while services between Tirupati and Rajahmundry will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
With Tirupati now added to its network, FLY91 serves Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The addition strengthens FLY91’s focus on connecting regional markets and improving access between important destinations across India.
Published on August 19, 2026
Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.
The airline began operations from the new airport on August 17, 2026, with 10 daily flights serving the three key domestic destinations. The inaugural flight departed for Bengaluru at 8:00 AM, with guests receiving ceremonial boarding passes to mark the launch.
The new services strengthen air connectivity for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding region, while providing travellers with additional options to connect with major business, tourism and commercial centres across southern India.
Air India Express currently operates two daily flights between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad and two daily services between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, along with a daily service connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam schedule also includes additional services on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers.
All timings are local and are effective from August 17, 2026.
The airline is also expanding its network from Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Tirupati, with daily flights connecting Tirupati and Hyderabad scheduled to commence from September 1, 2026.
From the same date, Air India Express will also resume its daily service on the Hyderabad–Chennai route, further strengthening connectivity between key cities in southern India.
With the latest additions, Air India Express currently serves 48 domestic and 16 international destinations, operating more than 3,000 weekly flights across India, Southeast Asia and West Asia.
The commencement of operations at Bhogapuram marks another step in the airline's network expansion strategy while strengthening connectivity to and from Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh's important commercial, industrial and tourism centres.
Published on August 15, 2026
With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated 12 short getaway options for travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.
The list brings together destinations that are easy to reach from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering everything from monsoon-filled hills and wildlife escapes to heritage cities and coastal retreats. Whether it is adventure, nature, culture or simply some time away from the city, there is an option for different kinds of travellers.
1. Rishikesh: For an Adventure-Filled Break
Just a few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure, spirituality and relaxation along the Ganga.
2. Jaipur: For a Dose of Culture & Heritage
Jaipur is an easy heritage escape from Delhi, with royal history, grand architecture, local food and colourful markets.
3. Jim Corbett: For a Wildlife Escape
For travellers looking to spend the weekend closer to nature, Jim Corbett offers forests, wildlife and peaceful resort stays away from the city.
4. Mussoorie: For a Refreshing Hill Retreat
Mussoorie continues to be a popular short getaway from Delhi, with mountain views, colonial charm and a pleasant hill-station atmosphere.
5. Lonavala: For a Quick Monsoon Escape
Lonavala becomes especially scenic during the monsoon, with green hills, misty landscapes and waterfalls. Its easy access from Mumbai makes it a convenient weekend option.
6. Alibaug: For a Coastal Reset
Alibaug brings together coastal landscapes, heritage, local food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for travellers looking to slow down.
7. Mahabaleshwar: For Misty Mountain Views
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers lush and misty landscapes during the monsoon, making it ideal for a peaceful break.
8. Nashik: For Food, Culture & Countryside
Nashik offers a mix of heritage, spirituality, countryside landscapes and Maharashtra's growing wine culture, giving travellers an alternative to the usual hill or beach escape.
9. Coorg: For a Monsoon Nature Break
Coorg's coffee plantations, green landscapes and relaxed pace make it a refreshing getaway from Bengaluru. The destination also offers opportunities to experience local culture and plantation life.
10. Chikmagalur: For Coffee & the Hills
Chikmagalur combines misty mountains, coffee plantations and scenic countryside, offering travellers a relaxed break from Bengaluru.
11. Mysuru: For a Heritage-Filled Weekend
Mysuru offers an easy cultural getaway with grand architecture, historic landmarks, lively markets and its own distinctive food culture.
12. Kabini: For Wildlife & the Wild
Kabini is suited to travellers looking for a deeper nature escape, with forests, wildlife and peaceful riverside experiences.
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