Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

No Restrictions on Visiting Goa’s Waterfalls: GFDC Chairperson Clarifies

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – In line with the directives of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) has issued a public clarification confirming that all popular waterfall sites in Goa remain open to visitors.

Amid speculation or confusion surrounding access to natural tourist sites during the monsoon season, the Chairperson of GFDC has reaffirmed that there are no restrictions on visiting Goa’s scenic waterfalls.

Waterfalls such as Dudhsagar, Mainapi, Savari, and Pali, all of which are under the management of GFDC, are fully operational with necessary facilities in place. These include trained personnel, safety guidelines, sanitation measures, and eco-friendly infrastructure aimed at ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all.

“Our focus at GFDC is to make Goa’s waterfalls not just accessible, but safe, clean, eco-friendly, and enriching,” the Chairperson emphasized. “We are committed to preserving these natural treasures while promoting responsible tourism that benefits both people and the environment.”

This announcement comes as a reassurance to both domestic and international tourists who plan to explore the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Goa during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

GFDC continues to work closely with Goa Tourism and other state bodies to encourage nature-based tourism, ensuring sustainability and local engagement in every initiative.

Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines, respect nature, and participate in keeping these spaces clean and safe for future generations.

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India Launches Its First ‘Ro-Ro’ Rail Service from Maharashtra to Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

August 2025 – India has taken a groundbreaking step in transforming its inter-state transport infrastructure with the official launch of its first ‘Ro-Ro’ (Roll-on/Roll-off) Rail Service. Designed to enhance passenger convenience, the new service allows travelers to board the train with their own private vehicles, significantly reducing travel stress, cost, and time.

‘Ro-Ro’ stands for Roll-on/Roll-off – a transport method where vehicles roll onto the train at the starting point and roll off at the destination. This model has been widely adopted across Europe and now makes its debut on Indian soil.

📍 Route Details

  • Starting Point: Kolad, Maharashtra
  • Destination: Verna, Goa
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 40 cars per trip
  • Travel Duration: Optimized to reduce lengthy road travel

The service is operated using a dedicated locomotive coach attached to special car-carrying wagons. Passengers remain in their vehicles during transit or can move to a passenger coach if available.

Historically, Indian railways have been a backbone of national transport since the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. This modern adaptation of Ro-Ro services signals a leap forward in accessible, eco-friendly, and personalized travel.

With heavy traffic congestion and long road trips being common between Maharashtra and Goa—especially during festive or tourist seasons—this Ro-Ro service offers a timely, stress-free alternative.

Bookings are now open to the public. A notable surge in advance reservations has been reported, showing immense public interest. The pricing is competitive, and the operational design ensures that the train reaches on time without frequent halts at intermediary stations.

Railway officials and transport ministers have highlighted the ‘Ro-Ro’ service as a “milestone in India’s vision for smart and sustainable travel.” The project has been designed keeping in mind the daily commuter as well as the weekend traveler.

Though currently limited to the Kolad–Verna route, there are speculations that the Indian Railways may soon replicate this model across other busy corridors. With its blend of personal comfort and rail efficiency, the Ro-Ro model could redefine the way Indians travel domestically.

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Air India and IndianOil Sign MoU for Supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

allycaralgoa

Gurugram, 19 August 2025: In a landmark move towards green aviation, Air India, a Tata Group company, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The agreement highlights both organizations’ commitment to adopting low-carbon fuels, supporting global decarbonization goals, and ensuring a sustainable future for air transport in India.

This collaboration comes as part of Air India’s broader strategy to achieve the IATA Net Zero by 2050 target and comply with CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).

The MoU was signed by Shailesh Dhar, Executive Director (Aviation), IndianOil, and P Balaji, Group Head – GRC and Corporate Affairs, Air India, in the presence of AS Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil, and Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India.

AS Sahney, Chairman, IndianOil:
“With our ISCC-CORSIA-certified SAF from Panipat, IndianOil is ready to provide a sustainable fuel solution that will help decarbonize air travel. Partnering with Air India aligns national growth with global climate goals.”

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India:
“Through this MoU, Air India is committed to supporting the Government of India’s sustainable aviation initiatives while progressing towards IATA’s Net Zero by 2050 target.”

Air India is also renewing its fleet with 570 new aircraft on order, adopting market-leading flight planning systems, expanding nonstop routes, and implementing green practices like reduced single-use plastics, autonomous-EV towing, and fuel-efficient operations.

For IndianOil, this partnership builds upon its milestone of becoming the first Indian company to receive ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat Refinery, placing it among global leaders in sustainable fuel production.

Together, Air India and IndianOil are shaping the future of aviation with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation — ensuring India plays a leadership role in the global clean energy transition.

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Air India to Resume Direct Goa–London Flights from October 26, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – August 20, 2025: In a major boost to international connectivity, Air India has announced it will resume direct flights between Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and London Gatwick Airport starting October 26, 2025.

The thrice-weekly service will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and will be served by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering world-class comfort for long-haul travel.

This route had been temporarily suspended earlier as part of a broader reduction in international flights involving Air India’s Boeing 787 and 777 fleet. The reinstatement signals renewed confidence in market demand and is expected to significantly benefit both tourism and business travel.

Key Details:

  • Route: Goa (Mopa) ↔ London (Gatwick)
  • Start Date: October 26, 2025
  • Frequency: 3 times weekly (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

The move is expected to:

  • Improve direct access between Goa and the UK
  • Boost inbound tourism to Goa during peak season
  • Provide a convenient travel option for the Goan diaspora in the UK

This service will complement Air India’s expanding international portfolio as the airline modernises its fleet and strengthens global routes under the Tata Group’s ownership.

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Indian Railways to Introduce Airport-Style Baggage Rules

allycaralgoa

In a move that could transform train travel across the country, Indian Railways is planning to implement airport-style baggage rules. Passengers will soon have defined limits on the amount of luggage they can carry, marking a significant shift from the existing system where enforcement has been minimal.

The proposed baggage policy is aimed at ensuring smoother travel, passenger safety, and discipline across trains, especially long-distance ones. Currently, many passengers travel with excessive luggage, often occupying space meant for others, causing inconvenience and safety hazards.

The new system will introduce weight and size limits, similar to airlines, and may also include additional charges for extra baggage.

While the exact limits and enforcement measures are yet to be finalised, this move signals the Railways’ intent to modernize operations and align with global travel standards.

For millions of daily passengers, the change may require adjusting travel habits—but it promises to make journeys more comfortable and efficient.