Category: Travel

Travel

Navi Mumbai International Airport to Be Named After Loknete D. B. Patil

Tanisha Cardozo

As the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport draws closer, a major announcement has brought both relief and celebration across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has sent a formal proposal to the Centre, requesting that the airport be named after Loknete D. B. Patil — a revered leader known for his relentless advocacy for project-affected people, especially in Navi Mumbai.

The move comes after decades of persistent demands by local residents, most notably the Agri-Koli community, who have strongly associated the development of Navi Mumbai with Patil’s vision and leadership. Over the years, protests and movements had gained momentum, with many warning that the airport would not be allowed to operate unless it bore his name.

This decision marks a significant political and emotional milestone. For many in the region, it is not just about the name of an airport, but the long-overdue acknowledgment of a leader who stood up for displaced families and ensured they were heard during the planning and expansion phases of the Navi Mumbai project.

Chief Minister Fadnavis’s announcement has received cross-party and community support, and sources indicate that both the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Government of India are aligned with the proposal. With approvals in progress, the naming of D. B. Patil International Airport now enters its final stage — just ahead of the official launch of operations.

Once operational, the airport is expected to ease the load on Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and become a vital gateway for international and domestic travel. Naming it after D. B. Patil ensures that his legacy will remain etched not only in the memories of the people he served, but also in the infrastructure of the state he helped shape.

Travel

Goa Transport Department Cracks Down on Vehicles Without High Security Number Plates

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Transport in Goa has issued a clear and stern warning to all vehicle owners across the state: affix your High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) immediately or face strict penalties. This comes after a recent inspection drive revealed widespread non-compliance, prompting authorities to announce intensified enforcement measures.

Under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, HSRPs are mandatory for all vehicles. These tamper-proof, standardised number plates are designed to enhance vehicle security, curb theft, and enable better enforcement of road safety laws.

To simplify the process, the department has authorised vehicle dealers to handle HSRP affixation directly. Additionally, vehicle owners can place orders through the official SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) portal.

The public notice urged all vehicle owners to complete the installation of HSRPs at the earliest to avoid fines or further action. The department is expected to launch stricter roadside checks and impose penalties on vehicles found in violation.

This enforcement drive signals the government’s commitment to implementing road safety norms and modernising vehicle identification systems. All motorists in Goa are advised to comply without delay.

Travel

Akasa Air Enhances ‘Pets on Akasa’ Service, Now Allows Two Pets in Cabin

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s youngest airline, Akasa Air, continues to prioritize pet-friendly travel with significant enhancements to its popular ‘Pets on Akasa’ service. On Monday, the airline announced that passengers can now fly with not one, but two pets in the cabin on a single flight — doubling the previous allowance.

In another move to offer flexibility to pet parents, Akasa Air has also shortened the booking window for pet travel from 48 hours to just 24 hours before flight departure. This change is designed to better accommodate spontaneous or last-minute travel plans, reflecting the airline’s focus on customer convenience.

Since the launch of ‘Pets on Akasa’, over 8,500 pets have taken to the skies, making it one of the most embraced services in Indian aviation for animal lovers. These recent upgrades reinforce Akasa Air’s growing reputation as one of the most progressive and pet-friendly airlines in the region.

As air travel continues to evolve, initiatives like these showcase how airlines can cater to the emotional and practical needs of modern-day travellers — both human and animal alike.

Travel

GoaMiles Becomes India’s First Cab Service to Offer Pension Benefits to All Drivers

Tanisha Cardozo

GoaMiles has announced a pioneering initiative that sets a new benchmark in the Indian transport and gig economy sector. The company has become the first cab service in India to introduce pension benefits for all its drivers. This move is aimed at securing the financial future of those who play a vital role in moving people across the country — the drivers.

Recognizing the daily efforts, long hours, and dedication of its driver partners, GoaMiles is taking a bold step toward long-term social security for them. The new pension program reflects the company’s commitment to not just providing transport solutions, but also creating a more humane and sustainable gig economy in India. It highlights a much-needed shift in the sector — from transactional relationships to a model based on dignity, security, and shared growth.

By integrating pension benefits, GoaMiles is sending a strong message: the people who power our mobility deserve more than just fares. They deserve a future they can count on. In an industry often criticized for lack of worker protection, this initiative stands out as a milestone.

With this step, GoaMiles hopes to inspire similar actions across the mobility sector, paving the way for a more inclusive and caring ecosystem for all drivers in India.

Travel

Goa Tourism Felicitates GTDC Chairman Shri Ganesh Gaonkar for His Remarkable Tenure

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 30th September 2025 — The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony in honour of its outgoing Chairman, Shri Ganesh Gaonkar. Known for his inclusive leadership and unwavering commitment to Goa’s tourism ecosystem, Shri Gaonkar’s tenure was remembered with emotion, gratitude, and admiration.

The event saw the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who led the tributes. Shri Gaonkar’s wife, Smt. Sadichha Gaonkar, was also felicitated for her unwavering support throughout his term. Attendees included Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, Managing Director of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, along with the corporation’s general managers, deputy general managers, and staff who came together as one family to extend their thanks.

In his speech, Hon’ble Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted Shri Gaonkar’s collaborative approach, especially his work in aligning GTDC’s efforts with the Department of Tourism’s forward-looking vision. “Shri Ganesh Gaonkar has not only guided GTDC with wisdom and dedication, but he has also shown us what it means to lead with humility and compassion,” Khaunte said. “His tenure has been about much more than policy or projects, it has been about people.”

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed the sentiment, stating that Shri Gaonkar’s tenure was marked by mutual support and alignment of goals between the Department and GTDC. “His ability to bring people together and work hand-in-hand with us will always be remembered,” he said.

MD of GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar recalled the Chairman’s open-door policy and the trust he fostered within the organisation. “His humility and warmth have left a lasting mark on all of us,” Arolkar shared.

The evening was compered by Deputy General Manager of Marketing, Shri Deepak Narvekar, and concluded with emotional farewells and best wishes from the entire GTDC family. The legacy of Shri Ganesh Gaonkar’s tenure—built on values of trust, inclusion, and people-first leadership—will continue to inspire GTDC’s journey in the years to come.