Severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Murasu have disrupted travel across parts of Andhra Pradesh, affecting flight and railway services. Gale-force winds and heavy rainfall led to the suspension of train movements along the Vijayawada–Ongole–Gudur section, leaving several passengers stranded and causing major delays to services connecting Chennai with different parts of North India.

According to the details shared, more than 35 trains were cancelled, while nearly 29 trains were regulated, including 19 in the UP direction and 10 in the DOWN direction. Select services of the Pinakini Express, the Secunderabad–Thiruvananthapuram Sabari Express via Coimbatore, and local passenger trains operating on the Vijayawada–Gudur route were among those affected.

The disruption also impacted the Charminar Express operating between Hyderabad and Tambaram, along with connected services. With train movements suspended by the Vijayawada Division, several trains faced delays exceeding 12 hours. Some services were held between stations such as Chirala and Ongole, near Ammanabrolu, as a safety measure amid the severe weather.

For passengers onboard, the extended halt brought additional challenges. Travellers were reportedly inside trains for more than 12 hours, with limited access to food and tea. Delays in receiving clear information and updates from the authorities added to the uncertainty, making an already difficult journey more stressful.

While suspending train services during severe weather is important to protect passengers and railway operations, the situation also highlights the need for better passenger support during unexpected disruptions. Timely communication about cancellations, rescheduling, route changes and expected delays can help travellers make informed decisions and plan their onward journeys.

Access to basic essentials is equally important during prolonged train halts. Arrangements for drinking water, food, milk and baby food can make a significant difference, particularly for families travelling with children, senior citizens and passengers with specific needs.

Cyclones and heavy rainfall can create unpredictable challenges for India's transport network. However, passenger support should remain an important part of emergency planning. Along with prioritising safety and preventing accidents, railway authorities need to ensure that passengers receive regular updates and assistance throughout such disruptions.

The experience along the Vijayawada–Ongole–Gudur section serves as a reminder that managing travel during extreme weather goes beyond stopping or regulating train services. Clear communication, access to essential supplies and coordinated assistance can help make unexpected delays more manageable for passengers.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Himalayan Woodcroft, Sirmaur – IHCL SeleQtions in Himachal Pradesh. Set amidst the Himalayan highlands, the 41-key property brings together traditional regional architecture, scenic valley views and leisure experiences.

Spread across six acres and surrounded by pine and banj oak forests, the hotel draws inspiration from the region's architectural heritage. It is built in the traditional Kathkuni style, using locally sourced stone and deodar wood. The property offers panoramic views of the valley and the snow-capped Churdhar peak.

Designed as a hillside hamlet, Himalayan Woodcroft features independent cottages with warm wooden interiors, valley-facing windows and private sit-outs. The design blends with the natural surroundings, offering guests a setting to enjoy the landscape and tranquillity of Sirmaur.

Speaking about the opening, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Chief Operating Officer, Full-Service Business, IHCL, said, “As travellers increasingly seek experiences rooted in destination and local character, demand for leisure offerings in emerging markets continues to grow. SeleQtions celebrates hotels with a strong sense of place and individual character. Himalayan Woodcroft, Sirmaur – IHCL SeleQtions reflects this ethos and strengthens our presence in Himachal Pradesh’s leisure travel circuit.”

The hotel's dining options include Woodcroft Nest, an all-day dining restaurant serving Indian, regional and international cuisine. Mist, the bar, offers guests a cosy space to unwind while enjoying views of the valley.

For recreation and wellness, the property features a swimming pool overlooking the valley and a fitness centre. These facilities add to the leisure experience for guests visiting the Himalayan destination.

Bijayan Sinha, Hotel Manager, Himalayan Woodcroft, Sirmaur – IHCL SeleQtions, said, “Himalayan Woodcroft offers guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Sirmaur in a setting inspired by the region’s architectural heritage. We look forward to welcoming travellers to this hillside escape.”

With its traditional Kathkuni architecture, independent cottages and natural surroundings, Himalayan Woodcroft adds to IHCL's presence in Himachal Pradesh's leisure travel circuit.

Summit Hotels & Resorts has reported a 162% year-on-year increase in net operating profit for the first half of FY 2026–27 (April–September 2026), significantly ahead of its 14% revenue growth during the period. Gross operating profit increased by 41%, while average room rates rose 26%, indicating improved operating performance across the company's leisure hospitality portfolio.

The company recorded an overall occupancy of 60%, with 84,067 occupied room nights during the six-month period. The results come despite the inclusion of the monsoon season, traditionally a challenging period for leisure hotels in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, where adverse weather and reduced tourist movement can affect travel demand.

The increase in net operating profit, considerably higher than revenue growth, points to improved operating margins. Summit attributes its performance to stronger revenue management, operating efficiencies and tighter cost discipline across its properties.

Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Our first-half performance demonstrates the progress we have made in strengthening the fundamentals of our business. Achieving 162% growth in net operating profit against 14% revenue growth, particularly during a period that includes the monsoon off-season, reflects better revenue management, operating efficiencies and the commitment of our teams.

"We expect the second half to be considerably stronger, supported by the peak leisure travel season, contributions from newly opened hotels and the expansion of our portfolio across different travel segments. While profitability remains essential to building a sustainable business, our larger purpose is to make every traveller's journey better. We want our guests to experience the warmth of home through safe, clean and comfortable stays, fair pricing and genuine care. This is the philosophy we are strengthening across the organisation through The Summit Way, where kindness towards guests and respect for our employees are as important as our commercial achievements."

Expansion Across Leisure and Spiritual Destinations

Looking ahead, Summit Hotels & Resorts expects stronger business performance in the second half of FY 2026–27, covering October 2026 to March 2027. The company expects the peak leisure travel season and contributions from newly opened properties to support the next phase of growth.

Its expansion strategy covers leisure, spiritual and emerging tourism destinations through three hospitality collections:

• Signature: Premium, destination-led stays.

• Off Beat: Properties in lesser-explored leisure destinations.

• Mandir: Hospitality offerings catering to spiritual and pilgrimage tourism.

The upcoming portfolio includes properties in Varanasi, Salasar and Rishikesh, alongside developments across the Eastern Himalayan region. These additions are expected to expand the company's geographic presence and diversify its demand base beyond established leisure markets.

Building a Culture of Generous Hospitality

Alongside its commercial and expansion priorities, Summit is strengthening its organisational culture through The Summit Way – A Culture of Kindness & Generous Hospitality.

Guided by the purpose of Making Every Journey Better, the initiative focuses on embedding genuine care, fair pricing, employee wellbeing and service consistency across the portfolio. The company positions employee respect and guest experience as central to its approach to sustainable business growth.

With higher room rates, improved operating profitability and a pipeline spanning leisure and pilgrimage destinations, Summit Hotels & Resorts is looking to build on its first-half performance as it enters the peak travel season.

H1 FY 2026–27: Key Performance Highlights

• Net operating profit: 162% year-on-year growth

• Revenue: 14% year-on-year growth

• Gross operating profit: 41% year-on-year growth

• Average room rates: 26% year-on-year growth

• Occupancy: 60%

• Occupied room nights: 84,067