The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added 11 new entry points for foreign nationals holding e-visas, making it easier for international travellers to enter India through more airports and land ports.

The newly notified entry points include two airports and nine land ports. The airports are Bhopal and Tirupati, while the new land ports are Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari (Road).

With this addition, the total number of international ports authorised for e-visa holders has increased to 88. These include 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports. The MHA said the move is part of its wider efforts to make India's visa system more liberal, simple and convenient while continuing to maintain security through improved technology and digital infrastructure.

The Ministry also highlighted the growing use of India's electronic visa system. Nearly 95% of e-visa applications are processed within 72 hours, while around 78% of all visas issued by India are now electronic visas. India introduced its e-visa facility in 2014 for citizens of 43 countries. Since then, the programme has expanded significantly and is now available to nationals of 172 countries.

The e-visa system currently covers 17 sub-categories across tourist, business, medical and student streams. It also includes transit, mountaineering, miscellaneous and group visitor visas for cruise travellers. The MHA said the latest expansion is part of its continued efforts to support legitimate foreign travel while maintaining strong security measures through technology-driven border management systems.

Restaurant Brands Asia Ltd. (RBA), the master franchisee of Burger King in India, has strengthened its association with the Indian Army by extending its partnership with the Army Central Welfare Fund (ACWF) and creating career opportunities for retired Army professionals through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO).

The partnership with ACWF, which began on Republic Day 2026, received a strong response and enabled RBA to contribute more than ₹20 lakh towards the welfare fund. Following the response to the initiative, the company has decided to continue its support as an ongoing tradition, marking the partnership around two significant national occasions.

The initiative will continue on Independence Day, 15 August 2026, and Republic Day, 26 January 2027, further strengthening RBA's engagement with the armed forces community.

Expanding the initiative beyond financial support, RBA has also partnered with AWPO to create employment opportunities for retired Army professionals within its organisation. As part of the collaboration, four retired Army professionals joined RBA's Burger King India operations from 21 July 2026.

The initiative is aimed at providing veterans with opportunities to transition their professional experience and leadership capabilities into the retail and hospitality sector, while creating structured career pathways within RBA.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajeev Varman, Group CEO and Whole-time Director, Restaurant Brands Asia, said the company was proud to partner with both ACWF and AWPO and aimed to make a meaningful contribution to the country's armed forces community and their families.

Namrata Tiwari, Group Chief People Officer, Restaurant Brands Asia, highlighted the company's focus on creating long-term opportunities for those who have served the nation. She said the collaboration with AWPO reflects RBA's commitment to welcoming and integrating retired Army professionals into its workforce.

Major General Ajay Singh Chauhan, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, MD, AWPO, said the partnership with Burger King represents another step towards empowering veterans, widows and wards through meaningful employment. He highlighted the professional competence, dedication and integrity that personnel bring to customer service and operations, adding that the collaboration creates structured career pathways into the retail and hospitality ecosystem.

The initiative reflects a broader approach to supporting the armed forces community through both welfare contributions and employment opportunities, while enabling veterans to continue their professional journeys after military service.

Key Highlights

• RBA's ACWF partnership began on Republic Day 2026.
• More than ₹20 lakh has been contributed to the fund.
• The partnership will continue through Republic Day 2027.
• RBA has partnered with AWPO for veteran employment.
• Four retired Army professionals joined Burger King India from 21 July 2026.
• The initiative creates career pathways for veterans in the retail and hospitality sector. 

PizzaExpress, the UK-based pizza and casual dining brand, has opened its newest restaurant at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking its 38th outlet in India.

Located within one of Delhi's prominent business, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the new restaurant brings PizzaExpress' signature handcrafted pizzas, relaxed dining experience and warm hospitality to a growing community of professionals, travellers and diners in Aerocity.

Designed as a contemporary and relaxed dining space, the restaurant offers a selection of PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal offerings. The menu includes the brand's popular Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas starting at INR 495 for two, summer specials, salads, appetisers, pastas and desserts, including Tiramisu and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant also features PizzaExpress' Romana pizzas, known for their larger, thinner and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas of Rome.

Reflecting the brand's "Only For Everyone" philosophy, the menu caters to a variety of preferences and occasions. Options include the Piccolo menu for children, Leggera range for lighter choices and Soho Bowls for wholesome meals. Guests can also choose from a selection of mocktails and signature desserts.

Speaking on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Founder & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “5 Worldmark at Aerocity is one of Delhi's most exciting and relaxed dining spaces, bringing together travellers, young professionals and consumers who actively seek quality dining experiences. PizzaExpress fits naturally into this environment because the brand has always stood for great food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”

Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), added, “The launch of our 38th PizzaExpress restaurant in India is in line with our steady growth and long-term commitment in India. 5 Worldmark at Aerocity continues to evolve as a premium lifestyle and food destination, making it an important location for us strategically.”

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “We're delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. Good food has a unique way of bringing people together, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at World St.”

The culinary offering is built around PizzaExpress' focus on fresh ingredients and handcrafted preparation. Each pizza is made with freshly prepared dough and the brand's signature tomato passata, produced using San Marzano tomatoes sourced from Parma, Italy.

Among the menu highlights is the Calabrese pizza, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by the bold flavours of Southern Italy.

The new outlet also features contemporary interiors, comfortable seating and PizzaExpress' signature open kitchen, allowing diners to watch pizzaiolos prepare and bake pizzas in real time. The space is designed for business lunches, casual meals, family dining and evening gatherings.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant on London's Wardour Street in 1965 and has since grown to more than 330 restaurants in the UK, with a presence across 13 countries. In India, the brand currently operates 38 restaurants across markets including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Restaurant Details

Address: Unit No. W11, Ground Floor, World St. 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, Near Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037