Delhi Metro's Tourist Smart Cards: Explore the Capital with Ease

Delhi Metro's Tourist Smart Cards: Explore the Capital with Ease

By Author

Published on September 9, 2023

In anticipation of the upcoming G-20 summit, Delhi Metro is rolling out a special offering for international visitors and delegates - the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' These cards are tailor-made for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital city of Delhi and will be available for a limited time at selected Metro stations.

Starting from September 4th, 2023, for a period of ten days, Delhi Metro is extending its hospitality to G-20 delegates and international tourists by offering the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' These cards are designed to simplify travel for those eager to discover Delhi's famous tourist attractions during their stay.

The 'Tourist Smart Cards' will be obtainable from dedicated counters at select Metro stations. These cards come in two categories: One-Day Validity and Three-Day Validity. Priced at Rs 200, the One-Day Validity card provides unlimited access to the extensive Metro network, while the Three-Day Validity card, available at Rs 500, offers the same benefits. Both options also include a refundable security deposit of Rs 50.

One of the significant advantages of these cards is that they grant holders unlimited travel within the Metro network. This means you can explore the city from the first train of the day until the last one, without worrying about penalties or surcharges related to entry/exit mismatches, overstay, or overstepping.

Delhi Metro, known as India's largest metro network and one of the world's largest, conveniently connects to most of the capital's prominent tourist destinations. From the iconic Red Fort and the historic Jama Masjid to the magnificent Akshardham Temple and the serene Kalkaji Temple, travelers can effortlessly reach these attractions by using the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' For those who need additional assistance, the 'Delhi Metro Rail' app offers a comprehensive network map and a dedicated 'Tour Guide' section, listing all nearby stations and tourist spots.

Stations with dedicated Tourist Smart Card counters for the period September 4th to September 13th, 2023:

  1. Kashmere Gate

  2. Chandni Chowk

  3. Chawri Bazar

  4. New Delhi

  5. Rajiv Chowk

  6. Patel Chowk

  7. Central Secretariat

  8. Udyog Bhawan

  9. Lok Kalyan Marg

  10. Supreme Court

  11. Lal Quila

  12. Jama Masjid

  13. Delhi Gate

  14. ITO

  15. Mandi House

  16. Janpath

  17. Khan Market

  18. JLN Stadium

  19. Jangpura

  20. Lajpat Nagar

  21. Barakhamba Road

  22. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

  23. Jhandewalan

  24. Indraprastha

  25. South Extension

  26. Sarojini Nagar

  27. Chhatarpur

  28. Qutub Minar

  29. Hauz Khas

  30. Nehru Place

  31. Kalkaji Mandir

  32. Akshardham

  33. Terminal 1 IGI Airport

  34. Karol Bagh

These 'Tourist Smart Cards' are not just a convenient way to travel; they are your gateway to exploring the treasures of Delhi with ease. So, if you're visiting Delhi for the G-20 summit or simply want to experience the city's rich heritage, grab your 'Tourist Smart Card' and embark on a memorable journey through the heart of India's capital.


Air India Launches Student Fares with Discounts and Extra Benefits

Air India Launches Student Fares with Discounts and Extra Benefits

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2024

Air India, India’s premier global airline, has unveiled exclusive discounts and benefits tailored for students, making travel more affordable and convenient. The new student fares apply to Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, across both domestic and international routes.

Special Benefits for Students:

  • Discounts: Up to 10% off on base fares.

  • Extra Baggage: An additional 10kg baggage allowance for hassle-free travel.

  • Flexible Booking: One-time free date change available for bookings made via Air India’s direct channels, including the website and mobile app.

This initiative aims to make full-service flying accessible to students, allowing them to explore new opportunities and connect with diverse cultures worldwide.

"With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons," said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Global Reach with Air India:

Air India connects 49 domestic and 42 international destinations, including popular student hubs like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The airline’s comprehensive network and services ensure students can travel with ease and flexibility.

Additional Savings & In-Flight Perks:

  • No Convenience Fee: Book via the official mobile app to get benefits on both domestic and international flights.

  • Payment Benefits: Save more using UPI, net banking, or cards from Air India’s bank partners.

  • In-Flight Entertainment: Complimentary entertainment on all flights, with select international routes offering Wi-Fi connectivity.

Students can also join Air India’s revamped ‘Maharaja Club’ loyalty program to earn reward points for complimentary tickets and upgrades.

Eligibility:

  • Domestic Travel: Students aged 12 or above.

  • International Travel: Students aged 12–30.

  • Must be enrolled in a full-time academic course and possess valid ID or student documentation.

About Air India:

Founded in 1932, Air India is a leader in Indian aviation with a legacy of world-class service. The airline is undergoing a comprehensive transformation under the Vihaan.AI program, focusing on fleet expansion, service enhancements, and infrastructure development to solidify its position as a global airline with Indian roots.

For more details on Air India’s student fares, visit the Air India Newsroom.


Uber's Intercity Ride Index 2024: A Surge in Road Trips and Weekend Getaways

Uber's Intercity Ride Index 2024: A Surge in Road Trips and Weekend Getaways

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2024

In an exciting update, Uber has unveiled the 2024 edition of its Intercity Ride Index, revealing a notable rise in bookings for its Intercity mobility service. With more trips already booked this year than in 2023, Uber is witnessing the highest-ever demand for intercity rides in India.

The surge in bookings can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Indians' increasing enthusiasm for travel, holidays, and the continuous development of the country's road infrastructure. The expansion of national highways and expressways has dramatically reduced travel times, making long-distance trips more efficient and comfortable.

Weekends continue to be the peak time for intercity travel, with Sunday emerging as the most popular day, followed by Saturday and Friday. The preference for weekend trips highlights the growing trend of using Uber’s Intercity service for short getaways, family visits, and even business travel.

Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals at Uber India and South Asia, commented on the strong growth: “It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. People are using it in so many ways - whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or just exploring new places. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journeys and can’t wait to make road trips even more fun and hassle-free for everyone, with features like Reserve to aid journey planning and Round Trips to expand travel possibilities.”

Uber has introduced features such as the ability to book round trips for up to five days, allowing riders to retain their car and driver while making multiple stops. The Reserve option enables travelers to book their rides in advance, up to 90 days, adding an element of convenience and reliability to long-distance journeys. In 2024, Reserve bookings for Intercity have more than doubled, showcasing the growing confidence in this feature.

As a special offer for the month of December, Uber has launched the ‘Big Intercity Sale 2024’, providing attractive discounts on existing prices. This move, along with the introduction of 24x7 live support for all intercity trips, reaffirms Uber's commitment to providing a safe and convenient travel experience.

The Intercity service is popular for both round trips and one-way journeys. Round trips, especially, are favored for leisure travel and visits to places of worship, as riders can keep their car and driver for the entire journey. On the other hand, one-way trips are often booked for family visits where the return date is flexible.

Some key findings from the 2024 Uber Intercity Ride Index include the top routes, most popular months for travel, and preferred days for bookings:

  • Top 3 Intercity Routes in India:

    1. Mumbai - Pune

    2. Delhi - Agra

    3. Bangalore - Mysore

  • Top 5 Months for Weekend Travel (2024):

    1. March (Holi long weekend) May (Buddha Purnima long weekend, summer break)

    2. June (Eid long weekend, summer break)

    3. August (Independence Day/Rakhi long weekend)

    4. September (Onam/Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid long weekends)

  • Top 3 Days of the Week for Uber Intercity Rides:

    1. Sunday

    2. Saturday

    3. Friday

  • Most Common Uses for Uber Intercity:

    1. Pilgrimage, tourism & family visits

    2. Business/client meetings

    3. Events (weddings, parties, concerts, trade shows)

  • Most Popular Getaways:
     Popular destinations around major cities include Pune, Nashik, and Lonavala from Mumbai; Mysore and Nandi Hills from Bangalore; and Agra and Jaipur from Delhi.

Uber's mission to offer seamless mobility continues to be a success, with over 1 million Indians relying on the app for various travel needs, from everyday commutes to leisure trips. With a focus on simplicity, safety, and convenience, Uber is shaping the future of intercity travel across India.


Thailand to Launch E-Visa for Indian Passport Holders from January 2025

Thailand to Launch E-Visa for Indian Passport Holders from January 2025

By Author

Published on December 16, 2024

Indian travelers planning trips to Thailand can look forward to a more streamlined visa process starting January 1, 2025. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced that Indian passport holders will soon be able to apply for e-visas through the official portal https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

This move will digitize the visa application process, making it more accessible and efficient for Indian tourists. However, the existing 60-day visa exemption for tourism and short business visits for Indian passport holders will remain in effect until further notice.

Application Process:

Applicants, including non-Thai nationals, can apply for e-visas either personally or through authorized representatives. While all visa types can be applied for through the online portal, applicants will need to pay a visa fee, details of which will be provided by the respective Embassy and Consulate-Generals. It’s important to note that visa fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

The e-visa application process is straightforward:

  1. Submit the application and required documents online.

  2. Choose an offline payment option for the visa fee, as guided by the Embassy or Consulate-General.

  3. Wait for the processing period of approximately 14 working days from the date of receipt of the visa fee.

    image

For those submitting regular visa applications with ordinary passports at designated visa processing centers, the deadline is December 16, 2024. Diplomatic and official passport applications at the Embassy or Consulate-General will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

Benefits of the New System:

The introduction of e-visas aims to simplify the process for Indian travelers, reducing the need for physical visits to visa processing centers and cutting down on paperwork. The move is part of Thailand's efforts to modernize its visa framework and encourage tourism.

The 60-day visa exemption remains a convenient option for Indian tourists traveling for leisure or short business purposes, ensuring continued ease of access to Thailand.

Key Notes for Travelers:

  • Applications must be submitted through the official portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

  • Offline payment options will be available for visa fees, which are non-refundable.

  • Processing time for e-visas is approximately 14 working days after payment receipt.

With the implementation of e-visas, Thailand is further reinforcing its commitment to making travel more convenient and accessible for Indian tourists while strengthening its cultural and economic ties with India.

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