No ATM nearby? Indian Railways says, ‘No problem’—We put one on the train!

In a first, Indian Railways has installed an ATM on a trial basis — on the Manmad-CSMT Panchvati Express in Maharashtra.

ATM On Wheels initiative is in accordance with the Railway Board’s directive to explore innovative methods to boost railway revenue through non-fare revenue.

A meeting was held with all potential vendors on March 25, 2025. During the meeting, the concept of installing mobile ATMs on trains was proposed.

Similarly, a trial run was conducted on April 10, 2025, on 12110 Manmad-CSMT Panchvati Express. The mini pantry space was converted by the mechanical team into an ATM installation area.

“The ATM was properly secured for its maiden journey with rubber pads and bolts for vibration isolation. Two fire extinguishers have also been provided in the allotted space,” railways said.

In the quest to Viksit Bharat 2047, Indian Railways continued its transformative journey, paving the way for a new era of modernization and progress.

With a strong focus on meeting world class travel experience, boosting freight efficiency, and adopting advanced technologies, the Railways has solidified its role as a catalyst for national growth.

Modern stations, state-of-the-art trains, and innovative safety systems are reshaping the landscape of rail travel.

Under ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’, 1,337 stations have been identified for redevelopment.

Indian Railways achieved 6,450 km of complete track renewal, 8,550 turnout renewals, and raised speeds to 130 kmph over 2,000 km in 2024

Indian Railways electrified 3,210 Rkm in 2024, extending the electrified BG network to 97 per cent with renewable energy capacity reaching 2,014 MW.

A record 136 Vande Bharat trains and the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail were introduced, alongside 21,513 special train trips during peak seasons.

10,000 Locos being equipped with Kavach safety technology, 9000 technicians trained and bids invited for 15,000 Rkm.

No entry: Dream destination Maldives drops a travel bombshell with shocking passport ban, Israelis no longer welcome in this tropical paradise amid Gaza war.

The Maldives has banned Israeli passport holders from entering its territory, the president’s office said on Wednesday, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, an allegation Israel has repeatedly denied.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the country’s immigration law after it was passed by parliament on Tuesday, a statement from his office said.

The amendment introduces a new provision to the Immigration Act, expressly prohibiting the entry of visitors with Israeli passports into the Maldives, it added.

“The ratification reflects the Government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” the statement said.

The Israeli foreign ministry and the country’s consular office in Colombo did not respond to requests for comment.

Israel has consistently rejected any accusation of genocide, saying it has respected international law and has a right to defend itself after the cross-border Hamas attack from Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023 that prompted the war.

The annual Thai water festival, which marks the traditional New Year, is expected to attract an unprecedented number of visitors this year. With preparations underway, the nation is focusing its attention on welcoming travelers from some of its most lucrative and growing markets—India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

Thailand’s Songkran Festival: A Global Attraction

The Songkran Festival, which is typically held from April 13th to 15th, is one of the most important cultural celebrations in Thailand, and it has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting festivals in the world. Known for its exuberant water fights, elaborate street parades, and vibrant cultural events, it is no surprise that tourists flock to the Kingdom from every corner of the globe to join in the fun.

This year, however, tourism experts predict an extraordinary uptick in the number of international visitors, with a particular focus on the countries that have been instrumental in Thailand’s tourism recovery. India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of the tourism surge as international travel ramps up and countries ease their pandemic restrictions.

Thailand’s strategic marketing campaigns, robust travel infrastructure, and the global appeal of Songkran are expected to drive a record-breaking number of arrivals from these regions.

With the merger completed, Air India Express will focus on a future growth and transformation agenda. The airline’s fleet size has already grown to 88 aircraft, with nearly four new aircraft continuing to join each month. The fleet is expected to cross 100 aircraft by the end of the current financial year, with a network footprint spanning across India, Gulf and Southeast Asia.

The number of routes AIX operates has risen from 74 to 171, and passenger carriage has increased by over 400% since the take-over of Air India by Tata group in early 2022.

In October 2023, the airline unveiled the unified brand ‘Air India Express’. Since then, flights operated by AIX Connect have also been marketed under the ‘Air India Express’ brand, with necessary regulatory approval.

Located in the heart of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas is a stunning heritage homestay that offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers. This beautifully restored 19th-century haveli (mansion) is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and a reflection of the warm hospitality that Gujarat is famous for.

A Heritage Home with a Rich History

The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas was built in the 19th century by a wealthy businessman named Mangaldas Girdhardas. The haveli was designed in the traditional Gujarati style, with intricate wood carvings, ornate balconies, and majestic archways. Over the years, the haveli has been lovingly restored and maintained by the family, and it continues to be a symbol of their rich cultural heritage.

Luxurious Accommodations

The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas offers luxurious accommodations in the form of 5 elegantly appointed rooms and suites.

Each room is tastefully decorated with traditional Gujarati furnishings, while modern amenities ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.

The rooms are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms.

Amenities and Services

The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a memorable stay. These include:

– A rooftop restaurant serving traditional Gujarati cuisine
– A courtyard cafe offering refreshing drinks and snacks
– A spa and wellness center offering massages and treatments
– A souvenir shop selling local handicrafts and artifacts
– A travel desk offering assistance with sightseeing and excursions

Experiences

The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas offers a range of experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. These include:

– Traditional Gujarati folk music and dance performances
– Cooking classes and demonstrations
– Yoga and meditation sessions
– Guided tours of Ahmedabad’s historic sites and landmarks
– Village visits and rural excursions

Book Your Stay

The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas is a popular heritage homestay in Ahmedabad, and bookings can be made through their website or through online travel agencies. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Flight SG 611 departs from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at 10:25 AM and arrives at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport at 12:10 PM. The return flight, SG 616, takes off from Dehradun at 12:50 PM and reaches Ahmedabad at 3:10 PM. The service operates daily, offering enhanced convenience for passengers.

The launch of this route is part of SpiceJet’s broader expansion plan, which includes 24 new domestic flights for Summer 2025. The airline has introduced three new destinations—Tuticorin, Porbandar, and Dehradun—along with new routes such as Ahmedabad-Srinagar and Pune-Varanasi.

A senior official at Pune airport mentioned that out of the 109 available slots, airlines had occupied 104. The only addition to the schedule was a new domestic route to Varanasi.

We expect airlines to utilize the remaining slots as the schedule progresses,’ the official said, noting that no new international flights were added. ‘If all the slots are filled, the total flight movements will reach 218.’

The revamped Ayodhya airport was inaugurated on December 30, 2023, followed by the Ram Mandirs pran pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Since then, both have witnessed a surge in visitors, significantly boosting passenger traffic at the airport.

The airports area would be increased to 331 hectares from about 141 hectares right now. A new passenger terminal building will be built in a 4.4 hectares area. The current terminal building is a small one spread in a 0.6 hectares area, an official explained.

The official added that the expansion is expected to be completed in 28 months and the entire project cost is around Rs 1,625 crore.

The number of bays in the airport’s apron will be increased to 18 from eight. Another official mentioned that the Union environment ministry has granted the environment clearance to the project.

Backed by three major government projects—the upcoming Alwar Airport, a sleek elevated expressway to Sariska Tiger Reserve, and the sprawling Aravalli Green Wall—this region is capturing the imagination of investors, travelers, and high-net-worth dreamers alike.

At the heart of this metamorphosis is the Ram Rattan Group. Under the leadership of visionary Chairman Vijay Ram Rattan, the group is redefining rural luxury across 1,000+ acres in Naugaon. Think palatial villas, ultra-private farmhouses, and gated communities immersed in greenery—just an hour from Gurgaon.

With flagship developments like Ananda Farms and Green Step Farms, Ram Rattan Group is blending sustainability with grandeur. Their approach isn’t just about real estate—it’s about sculpting a lifestyle where urban privilege meets rural peace.

One of the most game-changing developments in the pipeline is the Alwar Airport. Once operational, it will slash travel time for tourists, entrepreneurs, and luxury homebuyers alike. Enhanced air connectivity means Naugaon could soon welcome a wave of eco-conscious globetrotters, wildlife lovers heading to Sariska, and high-end investors looking for next-gen properties in nature’s lap.

Sariska Elevated Road: A highway to heritage and hospitality

The elevated road linking Naugaon directly to Sariska National Park is set to revolutionize the region’s accessibility. Travel time to Jaipur, Gurgaon, and surrounding cities will shrink—placing Naugaon squarely on the map for weekend tourism, wildlife safaris, and boutique hospitality ventures.

This infrastructure leap is expected to drive demand for premium resorts, glamping retreats, heritage stays, and curated nature experiences—aligning perfectly with India’s growing luxury tourism market.

Aravalli Green Wall: India’s ecological shield meets luxury real estate

Perhaps the most ambitious of all is the Aravalli Green Wall project—a 1,400-kilometer ecological corridor stretching from Gujarat to Haryana. Running right through Alwar, this green shield will combat desertification, restore biodiversity, and elevate air quality.

For Naugaon, this isn’t just environmental good news—it’s a branding jackpot. Luxury buyers and eco-tourists alike are flocking to green destinations. With this project in motion, Naugaon isn’t just livable—it’s aspirational

In a statement, IndiGo said: “In light of the recent earthquake in Southeast Asia, IndiGo would like to reassure its customers that all flights to and from Thailand (Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket) are operating as scheduled. We understand that some of our customers may have faced difficulties reaching the airport due to this situation. To support those affected, we are accommodating them on the next available flight. We remain committed to assisting our customers during this time.” Flights of Air India were also operating.

Thai LCC Nok Air, which flies to Mumbai & Hyderabad, said in an email: “ Some flights are currently delayed due to airport safety inspections. Nok Air advises passengers to closely follow travel updates from the airline and relevant authorities. Passengers scheduled to travel (Friday) should check for updates on their flights. All Nok Air serving airports have resumed normal operations for incoming and outgoing flights.”