PM Modi to Inaugurate India's First Underwater Metro in Kolkata

By Author

Published on March 7, 2024

In a momentous event slated for March 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the highly anticipated Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor, heralding a new era in India's urban transportation history. This section, distinguished as the first to run under a river in India, navigates beneath the River Hooghly, seamlessly connecting the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah.

This engineering feat includes the construction of the deepest Metro station in India at Howrah, situated 32 metres below the water level. The project showcases remarkable engineering ingenuity and innovation, with the Metro's trial journey under the Hooghly River in April 2023 standing as a testament to India's capabilities in infrastructure development.

Spanning a 4.8-kilometer stretch, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is a crucial part of the 16.6-kilometer East-West Metro corridor. This segment promises to significantly enhance urban mobility and connectivity between critical areas, including the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V, while addressing issues of traffic congestion and environmental sustainability in Kolkata.

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The metro journey across the 520-metre river stretch under the Hooghly is expected to take just 45 seconds, offering a swift, efficient, and time-saving transportation option for the city's residents and visitors alike.

Despite facing challenges, including an aquifer burst at Bowbazar in 2019 and subsequent water leakage incidents, the project has steadily progressed, with the Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah stretch of the corridor already operational. The inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, along with the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and the Taratala-Majerhat Metro sections, marks a significant milestone in the completion of the East-West Metro corridor.

The East-West Metro project, initiated in 2009 with tunnelling under the Hooghly River starting in 2017, exemplifies India's ambition to create modern, sustainable, and efficient urban transportation solutions. As the city gears up for this historic inauguration, the new underwater metro section promises to revolutionise travel in Kolkata, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in India and beyond.

Video & Image Source- The economic times, India Today. 


Celebrating India’s Living Heritage: InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2025 Now Open

Celebrating India’s Living Heritage: InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2025 Now Open

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 26, 2025

InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, has announced the fourth edition of its prestigious InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships. With applications now open, this year’s fellowship shines a spotlight on the 'intangible heritage' and 'craft traditions' that exist around India’s architectural landmarks, inviting researchers, journalists, architects, and creative professionals to explore and document stories that often go unseen.

Set against the backdrop of India’s built heritage, the 2025 edition encourages participants to view these sites not just as historical structures but as dynamic, living archives filled with rich narratives, rituals, and craftsmanship. Fellows will be selected through a jury process and will have the chance to document cultural elements such as community traditions, ritual practices, and artisan crafts, using formats ranging from essays and photo series to illustrations and other creative media. Depending on the scope, each fellowship will span three to six months.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson of InterGlobe Foundation, said, “The fourth edition of the InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships builds on the success of our previous programs. The focus on intangible heritage and craft traditions is particularly exciting as it allows us to uncover and celebrate the cultural practices that breathe life into our built heritage.”

Launched in 2022, the Fellowship has evolved into a platform that brings forward unique, lesser-known facets of India’s cultural diversity. Past fellows have worked on themes such as Kashmir’s folk theatre and musical traditions, oral traditions around Uttarakhand’s Rudranath Temple, Varanasi’s Ghat Chhatris, and Telangana’s tribal Jatharas. Other noteworthy projects include the documentation of rare musical instruments like the Shreekhol, Taus, and Nafiri, and the cultural exploration of the Lonar Crater in Maharashtra.

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Applications for the InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2025 will be accepted until August 24, 2025. To learn more about the eligibility and application process, interested individuals can visit: www.interglobe.com/the-interglobe-heritage-fellowships-2025.

Over the years, InterGlobe Foundation has led several impactful heritage projects—such as the conservation of Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, the restoration of Indra Kund stepwell in Delwara, and cultural mapping of 14 Indian cities. These efforts are a testament to the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s diverse heritage.

About InterGlobe Foundation

Established in 2014, InterGlobe Foundation is the CSR arm of InterGlobe Enterprises and works in the areas of Culture and Heritage Preservation, Environment Protection and Livelihood Promotion. It collaborates with partners to develop sustainable and inclusive initiatives that have long-term community impact.

About InterGlobe Enterprises

InterGlobe Enterprises is a leading Indian conglomerate in Aviation, Hospitality, and Travel-related services. Known for its flagship brand IndiGo, it employs over 70,000 professionals in more than 150 cities globally. Since 1989, the company has built businesses that connect people and places through innovation and service excellence.


Air India Flight AI315 from Hong Kong Catches Fire at Delhi Airport – No Injuries Reported

Air India Flight AI315 from Hong Kong Catches Fire at Delhi Airport – No Injuries Reported

By Author

Published on July 23, 2025

A potentially tragic mishap was narrowly averted on Monday when Air India flight AI315, arriving from Hong Kong, experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) moments after landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321, had just taxied to the gate and was preparing for passenger disembarkation when flames were detected near the tail section. Airport emergency services responded immediately, activating the aircraft's onboard safety systems and dousing the fire within minutes. Thanks to the quick response, no injuries were reported among the 170 passengers and crew on board.

This marks the second safety-related incident involving Air India within 24 hours, following a runway excursion at Mumbai Airport on Sunday where another aircraft suffered burst tyres during landing due to waterlogging. These back-to-back occurrences have raised fresh concerns around operational checks and maintenance protocols within the airline, especially in the wake of the Ahmedabad Dreamliner tragedy earlier this year.

In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire originated in the auxiliary power unit—a system located in the tail of the aircraft that supplies energy when the main engines are off. The cause is currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft has been grounded pending a full technical evaluation.

While passengers remained largely unaware during the initial moments of the fire due to the crew’s calm handling, video footage and images circulating across news outlets—including Tamil media like Dinamalar—have drawn public attention and concern.

Industry Reaction & Aviation Safety

Experts believe this incident highlights the need for intensified preventive maintenance, especially amid India’s surging post-pandemic air travel demand. “Every touchpoint in airline safety—from ground handling to technical maintenance—needs to be foolproof. Incidents like these shake passenger confidence,” said an aviation safety analyst.

With Air India undergoing a massive transformation under the Tata Group’s ownership, including major fleet upgrades and service rehauls, such safety lapses pose serious reputational risks.

The Bigger Picture

For the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, airline reliability is directly tied to destination trust. A chain reaction from aviation mishaps can ripple through hotel bookings, tour operator confidence, and even business travel trends.

As investigations continue, the aviation community and travelers alike will be watching closely to see how swiftly and transparently Air India addresses these issues.


The Rise of Night Tourism This Summer: Where to Go, What to Experience

The Rise of Night Tourism This Summer: Where to Go, What to Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 22, 2025

There is something magical about the world after sunset. This year, elevate your travel experiences with the moonlit coastlines, twilight cityscapes, overnight safaris, and stargazing escapes that night tourism has to offer. Here’s a curated list of unique nighttime destinations making waves this summer — and why they deserve a spot in your 2025 travel itinerary.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

imageFar from the gleaming skyscrapers of Dubai lies Ras Al Khaimah, an oasis of luxury and adventure. Nestled within the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Sonara Camp offers a fine-dining experience under the stars complete with live entertainment. For those craving adventure, the Nocturnal Summit Series takes thrill-seekers to Camp 1770, the highest campsite in the UAE, where starlit hikes, traditional Emirati dinners, and bonfires turn the desert into a dream. Back in the city, Ula Beach Bar at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island makes for an unforgettable sundowner spot with views of the Persian Gulf and Al Marjan’s coral-shaped islands.

Laikipia, Kenya

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Nightfall in Kenya isn’t the end of the adventure — it’s just the beginning. In Laikipia’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of the few places in Kenya offering legal night safaris, you can spot the Big Five by spotlight. Guided night drives are also available in Lewa and Mara Naboisho conservancies, where nocturnal creatures roam free. Pack neutral layers — the temperatures drop, but the thrill only escalates.

Seychelles

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As day fades to dusk, Seychelles comes alive in entirely new ways. From sunset cruises on the Indian Ocean to romantic twilight beach dinners at Beau Vallon in Mahé, there’s magic in every moment. Adventurous travelers can take part in night hikes on Silhouette, North, and Fregate Islands, led by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. These offer chances to spot rare nocturnal species like the Sheath-tailed Bat and nesting sea turtles. For a cultural twist, the Takamaka Rum Distillery throws lively Creole nights on Fridays, blending local food, music, and rum until 10 p.m.

Doha, Qatar

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In Doha, night is when the city truly glows. Explore the vibrant Souq Waqif for spices, textiles, and authentic street food, or head to Katara Cultural Village for open-air performances and art exhibits. Dhow boat cruises along the Corniche offer stellar skyline views, while The Pearl-Qatar sets the stage for luxurious waterfront dining. For a more secluded escape, stargazing in the desert near the Inland Sea and camel rides on night safaris offer a cultural immersion under celestial skies.

Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka’s central highlands become a quiet haven by night. At Teardrop Hotels’ Camellia Hills, take a guided night walk through serene tea estates with an in-house naturalist. Using ultraviolet flashlights, spot the glowing eyes of owls, porcupines, Sambar deer — and perhaps even a stealthy leopard. While sightings are never guaranteed, the silence and suspense of the misty forest under the stars make this a poetic and unforgettable encounter with the wild.

Tokyo Skytree, Japan

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Rising 2,080 feet above Tokyo, the Skytree becomes a kaleidoscope of color at night. Visitors can ascend to the Tembo Decks for panoramic city views, walk the glass skywalk of the Tembo Galleria, or catch immersive light shows at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER. From sipping coffee above the city to fine dining at Sky Restaurant 634, a night at the Skytree blends thrill with elegance — perfect for couples, solo travelers, and groups alike.

Whether you're seeking cultural connections, natural wonder, or city lights from new heights, night tourism in 2025 invites you to step out after dark and explore the world when it’s at its most serene and spectacular.

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