Himachal CM Sukhu Launches Water Sports Initiative at Gobind Sagar Lake to Boost Tourism

Himachal CM Sukhu Launches Water Sports Initiative at Gobind Sagar Lake to Boost Tourism

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 3, 2024

In a significant boost for tourism in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated water sports activities at Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur. This initiative introduces a variety of thrilling activities, including cruises, shikara rides, houseboats, hi-tech motorboats, jet skis, and water scooters, marking a new chapter for the region’s tourism landscape.

During the inauguration, CM Sukhu emphasized the initiative's potential to enhance tourism and generate substantial employment opportunities for local youth. "These activities will not only boost tourism potential but will also create ample employment and self-employment opportunities," he stated, highlighting the dual benefits for local businesses, especially for women and small entrepreneurs. By providing a new marketplace for local products, the initiative aims to foster economic stability and increase income for residents in the area.

A Vision for Bilaspur's Tourism Growth

Outlining an ambitious vision for Bilaspur, CM Sukhu expressed confidence that the development of water sports, coupled with initiatives in religious, rural, and eco-tourism, would position Bilaspur as a premier tourist destination, akin to popular locales like Kerala and Goa. He noted, "This comprehensive approach is expected to bring significant growth, attracting a broad spectrum of tourists and contributing to the region's economic development."

In addition to the water sports, the district administration has been instructed to initiate the tender process for introducing cruises and shikara rides on the Kol Dam reservoir. A scenic 30-kilometer cruise route is planned from Harnoda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani in Shimla district, promising tourists a unique and memorable travel experience.

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Empowering Local Communities
CM Sukhu further elaborated on the state government's plans to promote lake tourism, emphasizing the importance of empowering local communities through home stays, street food corners, restaurants, resorts, and hotels near artificial water bodies. "We intend to promote water-based attractions such as houseboats, cruises, yachts, and water sports in our reservoirs," he said, underlining the potential for vibrant tourist destinations around these artificial lakes.

During the event, CM Sukhu took an exhilarating jet ski ride and enjoyed a scenic cruise, demonstrating his support for the burgeoning tourism initiatives in the state. Interacting with media personnel, he reaffirmed that since the Congress government took office, there have been concerted efforts to enhance tourism. "Before the current government completes its two-year term, cruise and other water sports activities have already been initiated in Bilaspur. Who could have imagined two years ago that Bilaspur would have cruises, jet skis, and shikaras? But the Congress government has made it possible," he remarked.

Present at the inauguration were various dignitaries, including Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, HPTDC Chairman RS Bali, and former ministers and MLAs, who collectively celebrated this transformative step towards positioning Himachal Pradesh as a top-tier tourist destination.


IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

IndiGo has outlined a cautious yet forward-looking approach as it prepares for the next phase of growth, placing strong emphasis on “operational reliability” while planning a limited set of international route additions. The airline said its immediate focus is to “stabilise operations” as it continues to strengthen capacity and network resilience.

As part of its international plans, IndiGo has announced the launch of non-stop services to Athens. This route will also mark the international debut of India’s first Airbus A321XLR, a new aircraft type expected to support the airline’s entry into fresh overseas markets as it gradually expands beyond short-haul operations.

Beyond Athens, the airline has not shared details of additional international destinations or capacity increases. IndiGo stated that it will continue to grow its international footprint while further densifying its domestic network, without outlining the pace or scale of expansion.

On the domestic front, the airline is also preparing to begin operations from Noida International Airport at Jewar, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region once services commence.

Addressing recent operational challenges, IndiGo said it had swiftly restored normal operations following a temporary network disruption. The airline also confirmed that it is “fully collaborating and providing requested information to the regulator's committee” as part of an ongoing review by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

While IndiGo reiterated its long-term ambitions, including plans related to widebody aircraft and sustained growth, its near-term outlook remains measured. The airline said its renewed focus on stability will help drive future scale, innovation, and impact as it carefully explores new frontiers.


Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has made an impressive start, handling a total of 26,021 passengers in its first five days of operations. This includes 12,431 arrivals and 13,590 departures, showing strong demand right from day one.

Weekend traffic was particularly high, with 5,548 travellers on Saturday and 5,614 on Sunday, reflecting growing confidence among passengers. During this initial period, the airport managed 162 flight movements, 81 arrivals and 81 departures, while keeping on-time performance smooth for both airlines and ground services.

Currently, NMIA connects 13 major domestic destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa (MOPA), Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Vadodara. These connections cover key business and leisure hubs, giving travellers more options and conveand nience in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to expand its network with additional destinations and increased flight frequencies in coordination with partner airlines. With strong early passenger response and ready infrastructure, NMIA is set to become a modern, seamless travel hub in Western India


Air India Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

Air India Expands Partnership with airBaltic to Offer Seamless Connectivity to Latvia

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

Air India has strengthened its partnership with airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, by entering into a new codeshare agreement, making travel between India and the Baltic region easier and more seamless for its customers. This move builds on the interline partnership established between the two carriers in June 2025.

Under the codeshare, Air India has begun adding its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga and Air India’s European gateways including Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. This allows passengers to travel between India and Riga with a single Air India ticket, covering connecting flights under the same booking.

Additionally, Air India’s interline agreement with airBaltic allows travellers to reach Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania via select European gateways, further expanding access to the Baltic region.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, "This expanded partnership with airBaltic reflects Air India’s commitment to providing seamless global connectivity to our customers. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, and this codeshare makes the journey more convenient than ever."

Air India currently operates multiple non-stop flights connecting India with Europe:

  • Delhi: Amsterdam (7x weekly), Paris (14x weekly), Frankfurt (12x weekly), Copenhagen (4x weekly), Milan (6x weekly), Vienna (4x weekly), Zurich (4x weekly)

  • Mumbai: Frankfurt (5x weekly)

  • Amritsar & Ahmedabad: London Gatwick (3x weekly each)

Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has expanded its global alliance network to include 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, offering passengers access to over 800 destinations worldwide.

The new codeshare flights are now available for booking through both airlines’ official channels and travel partners.

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