The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) and Cityflo have joined forces to launch dedicated feeder bus services for Mumbai Metro Line 3, following the launch of its third phase. This partnership addresses a longstanding challenge in the city: first- and last-mile connectivity. The initiative is expected to make metro commuting more convenient and boost overall ridership.

India’s metro network has seen rapid growth in the last decade, expanding from 248 km across five cities in 2014 to over 1,000 km in 23 cities today. In Mumbai alone, elevated Metro Lines 2A and 7 have carried more than 200 million passengers over the past three years, with daily ridership averaging over 300,000.

The MMRC-Cityflo feeder service will operate at high-demand stations including Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Buses will run every 10 minutes during peak hours, ensuring minimal waiting time. Commuters can book rides via the Cityflo app or the Metro Connect 3 app, with plans for deeper integration allowing seamless booking within both platforms. Introductory fares are set at ₹29 per ride, with a monthly pass option at ₹499 to encourage regular use.

“Metro Line 3 marks a transformative phase for Mumbai’s mobility,” said R. Ramana, Director (Planning & Real Estate Development/NFBR), MMRC. “Feeder networks are key to ensuring that commuters can easily access the metro from home to work and back, making their journeys reliable and convenient.”

Jerin Venad, CEO of Cityflo, added, “This partnership aligns with our mission to make urban commuting frictionless. By integrating our buses with metro services, we aim to encourage more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport, contributing to a more sustainable city.”

The initiative represents a significant step in Mumbai’s urban transit evolution, integrating rail and road mobility into a cohesive, tech-enabled network. By bridging the last-mile gap, the MMRC-Cityflo collaboration seeks to improve commuter convenience, increase metro adoption, and reduce city congestion.

The Marriott India Business Council recently marked the 11th anniversary of its flagship initiative, Road to Give, with an energetic Hyderabad edition that brought together associates, partners, and local communities in a celebration of wellness and giving.

What started years ago as a fitness event has grown into a regional movement that champions empathy, inclusion, and community action across Marriott properties in South Asia. The Hyderabad leg began at Marriott Executive Apartments, where participants gathered for a group warm-up before setting off on a 5K run. The morning continued with a high-energy interval training session and concluded with breakfast at Altair banquet space.

This year’s edition saw more than 10,000 Marriott associates across the region come together to run, walk, cycle, and move for a cause, reflecting the company’s enduring commitment to care and service. The collective effort raised over INR 1 crore, which will go towards Rising Star Outreach of India, a Chennai-based NGO that empowers individuals and families affected by leprosy through education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Reaffirming Marriott’s guiding principle of Putting People First, associates from participating hotels also organised a series of wellness and charity events that encouraged both physical fitness and social responsibility.

“Each year, Road to Give reminds us of the extraordinary power of collective purpose,” said Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, Marriott India Business Council. “As we commemorate the 11th year of this remarkable initiative, we celebrate not just the funds raised or the miles covered, but the spirit of unity and compassion our associates bring to their communities. Their efforts continue to strengthen Marriott’s legacy of care and commitment across the region.”

Over time, Road to Give has become an integral part of Marriott’s culture of giving, motivating associates to drive change through empathy and wellness. Each edition reinforces the belief that true success lies in uplifting others and contributing to lasting social progress.

The Hyderabad event was supported by leading Marriott properties, including Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Marriott Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad, Le Meridien Hyderabad, The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, and Fairfield by Marriott Hyderabad Gachibowli. Their joint participation reflected both community spirit and the city’s dynamic hospitality culture.

As the Marriott India Business Council looks toward another impactful year, it extends sincere gratitude to every participant, partner, and supporter who helped make the 2025 edition a success. Each step taken and every contribution made helps move closer to a more compassionate and inclusive future, one where the spirit of giving continues to inspire meaningful change.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, operates a global portfolio of over 9,600 properties across 30+ brands in 143 countries and territories. The company manages, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, and timeshare properties worldwide. Its award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy®, connects guests with exclusive experiences and benefits.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com or follow @MarriottIntl on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, has been honoured with the 11th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award 2025 for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private). This recognition highlights IICA’s dedication to shaping careers and creating opportunities for aspiring chefs and culinary entrepreneurs.

The award ceremony took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and featured an inspiring special address by Dr. Mumin Chen, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India. A keynote session by Mr. Raghav Gupta, Head of Education – India and Asia Pacific at OpenAI, highlighted the role of AI in transforming education and entrepreneurship.

The award was presented by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and received by Mr. Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman of IICA, along with Mr. Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO of IICA.

This year’s awards were evaluated by a distinguished Grand Jury, including Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Former Director General of CSIR; Mr. Anand Sudarshan, Founder & Director of Sylvant Advisors; Mr. Ayush Gupta, Director-HR at GAIL India; and Mr. Sudheesh Venkatesh, Chief People Officer at Azim Premji Foundation.

Mr. Virender S. Datta said, “This award recognises the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and partners. As we celebrate 20 years of IICA’s journey, it reflects our mission to build careers, shape futures, and lead with excellence in the culinary world.”

The category for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private) included strong contenders such as Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies. IICA’s recognition underscores its long-standing impact and leadership in culinary and pastry education.

Mr. Arjun S. Datta added, “Our focus has always been on creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring chefs and culinary entrepreneurs. This recognition by FICCI strengthens our commitment to innovation, skill development, and global standards in shaping the next generation of culinary leaders.”

For over 20 years, IICA has been at the forefront of skill-based culinary education, creating pathways for students in India and abroad. The institute continues to blend industry relevance, innovation, and global standards to nurture talent.

Looking ahead, IICA is set to host its 40th Bi-Convocation Ceremony at Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi, celebrating its graduating students and their culinary journeys.