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.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.


Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 4, 2025

Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, has commenced direct operations from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru, further strengthening its domestic network. Services from Dehradun to Bengaluru are also set to begin on 15 September.

The airline will now operate twice daily from Chandigarh to Bengaluru and increase Ahmedabad–Bengaluru flights to twice daily from 16 September. These routes expand Bengaluru’s role as the carrier’s largest domestic hub, offering wider connectivity for both leisure and business travellers across India and select international destinations.

The inaugural flight from Chandigarh, operated by a new Boeing aircraft featuring a livery inspired by Punjab’s traditional Phulkari textile, departed at 16:40 and arrived in Bengaluru at 19:40. Earlier in the day, the first Ahmedabad–Bengaluru service took off at 11:00. To mark the occasion, a commemorative event was held at Chandigarh Airport, where the first guest was presented with a special boarding pass.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “Our new routes from Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and soon Dehradun to Bengaluru reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections between state capitals and major metros. With thoughtfully curated fares including our cabin-bag only Xpress Lite fare, comfortable seats, hot meals onboard, and our unique ‘Tales of India’ aircraft liveries, we deliver a warm, distinctly Indian travel experience with every flight. This expansion is another step towards building our pan-India network serving leisure and business travellers with efficiency.”

The new flights also expand one-stop connections through Bengaluru. From Ahmedabad, travellers gain access to 26 domestic destinations and three international points, while passengers from Chandigarh can connect to 22 domestic destinations and Kathmandu. Bengaluru continues to remain the largest domestic hub for Air India Express, handling more than 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic destinations and three international cities.

The airline’s Tales of India initiative continues to celebrate India’s artistic heritage, with over 50 unique aircraft tail designs. Additionally, travellers booking on these routes can access “Xpress Holidays,” the airline’s platform offering curated travel packages with flights, accommodation, transport, and activities.

With these additions, Air India Express strengthens its network strategy of enhancing point-to-point travel while also supporting wider connectivity through its Bengaluru hub.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.

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