Category: #TravelwithAllycaral 👒

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

FLY91 Adds Extra Flights on Pune-Sindhudurg Route to Meet Ganesh Chaturthi Travel Demand

Tanisha Cardozo

As Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin to light up homes and hearts across Maharashtra, regional airline FLY91 is stepping up to ensure smooth travel for thousands. The Goa-based airline has announced additional flights on its increasingly popular Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune route to cater to the sharp spike in passenger demand during the festive period.

The new flights will operate on August 24, 29, 31, and September 5 and 7, offering greater flexibility and travel options for families heading back to their native places for the Ganpati festivities.

“Ganesh Chaturthi is a special time for our customers, with many travelling to be with family and friends,” said Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91. “By adding extra flights on our Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune route, we aim to give passengers greater flexibility and more options during this festive period.”

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of Maharashtra’s biggest festivals, sees a massive influx of travelers from cities back to their hometowns. Sindhudurg, known for its rich cultural heritage and coastal beauty, becomes a key travel hub during this time.

This move follows FLY91’s earlier additions to its schedule during the Independence Day long weekend, where it added flights on August 14, 15, and 18 on both the Pune-Goa-Pune and Pune-Sindhudurg-Pune sectors. These strategic enhancements underscore the airline’s agility in responding to peak travel demands.

Headquartered in Goa, FLY91 is focused on enhancing regional connectivity, especially linking tier 2 and tier 3 cities. With eight domestic destinations currently in its network, the airline connects four key cities in Maharashtra alone: Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, and Pune.

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Mumbai Set to Roll Out 238 Metro-Style AC Locals with Cushioned Comfort and Faster Commutes

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai’s lifeline – its local train network – is all set to get a futuristic overhaul.

At a recent event held by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at Bandra Kurla Complex, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a transformational project that will bring 238 new air-conditioned (AC) local trains to the city over the next three years.

Described as metro-style in both appearance and functionality, these new local trains are expected to significantly elevate the daily commuting experience.

What’s New for Mumbai’s Commuters?

  • Cushioned Seats: Say goodbye to cold steel seats. The new coaches will be equipped with cushioned seating for added comfort.
  • Closed Doors: Just like metro trains, these locals will have sealed, automated doors to enhance safety and comfort.
  • Infotainment Sets: Travel will no longer be dull – screens will offer entertainment and information.
  • Mobile Charging Points: Every seat will have a dedicated charging point.
  • Faster Speeds: These trains will be capable of running at 130 kmph, the first of their kind in India’s EMU segment.
  • One Continuous Vestibule: Each train will have 12 interconnected coaches, unlike the current 6-vestibule setup, making room for future 15-car upgrades.

A ₹19,293 Crore Game-Changer

This initiative is part of MUTP-3 and MUTP-3A, with Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) overseeing the execution. The estimated project cost stands at ₹19,293 crore. Tenders for 2,856 coaches will be floated shortly.

Key Infrastructure Support

Two new EMU car sheds will be constructed – Bhivpuri on the Central Railway and Vangaon on the Western line. These trains will be operated by the private manufacturers under a long-term agreement.

A Request for Affordability

CM Fadnavis stated during the event that he has requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure that no fare hike is imposed for these upgraded AC local trains, keeping accessibility at the forefront.

What’s Next?

Once tenders are awarded, it will take:

  • 3–6 months to finalize the contractor
  • 2 years to produce a prototype
  • Followed by trials and full production rollout

Mumbai’s Commute, Reimagined

With increased speed, modern amenities, and enhanced safety, these new AC locals mark a paradigm shift in public transport in India’s busiest city. It’s not just about faster trains – it’s about transforming the commuter experience to match that of global urban metros.

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Goa Tops Travel Charts for Independence Day Long Weekend: MakeMyTrip Insights Reveal

Tanisha Cardozo

As Indians prepare to celebrate the 78th Independence Day, many are also taking advantage of the long weekend to travel, unwind, and reconnect. Travel trends from MakeMyTrip, one of India’s leading travel platforms, show that Goa has emerged as the most sought-after domestic travel destination this year.

The Long Weekend Boost
 With Independence Day falling on a Friday (August 15), many travelers are taking off as early as Wednesday, August 13, effectively giving themselves a 5-day travel window. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, shared that search and booking activity has significantly increased, making this one of the busiest long weekends of the year.

“Independence Day has emerged as a key travel occasion over the years. This year too, the search and booking trends point to strong intent to travel,” said Magow.

Top Domestic Travel Destinations
 Goa leads the pack, thanks to its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and monsoon charm. Following closely are:

  • Udaipur
  • Jaipur
  • Puri
  • Lonavala
  • Varanasi
  • Coorg
  • Mahabaleshwar
  • Ooty
  • Pondicherry

These destinations offer a mix of culture, heritage, scenic beauty, and short travel times — ideal for weekend travelers.

International Trends: Asia Leads
 For those venturing abroad, nearby international destinations dominate the trend list. The top ten trending international cities include:

  1. Pattaya
  2. Bali
  3. Bangkok
  4. Singapore
  5. Dubai
  6. Phuket
  7. Colombo
  8. Kuala Lumpur
  9. Zurich
  10. London

These cities are popular for their visa accessibility, short flight durations, and diverse experiences.

A New Independence Day Tradition
 Independence Day has gradually become more than a patriotic holiday — it’s evolving into a key travel moment for Indian families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Whether it’s a serene hill station, a temple town, or a buzzing coastal city, this long weekend promises movement, memories, and meaningful escapes.

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Salaulim Dam Lights Up for Independence Day 2025: Ministers Inaugurate Illumination Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Ministers Subhash Shirodkar and Subhash Phal Dessai Inaugurate Dazzling Light Display in Goa

Goa marked the spirit of Independence Day 2025 with a luminous tribute to one of its most iconic landmarks — the Salaulim Dam. In a visually stunning event, the dam was officially illuminated as part of the state’s patriotic celebrations.

The ceremony was led by Shri Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resources Department (WRD), alongside Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare. The ministers jointly inaugurated the display, which bathed the dam in vibrant hues, symbolizing unity, resilience, and national pride.

Located in South Goa, Salaulim Dam is a critical source of water supply and an engineering marvel nestled in natural surroundings. By illuminating it during the Independence Day period, the government aimed to blend ecological pride with cultural celebration.

The initiative attracted a large number of local residents and tourists, adding to the festive spirit and serving as a powerful visual statement of patriotism.

This move reflects a growing trend in using public infrastructure as symbols of celebration and civic engagement.

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Travel Advisory: Arrive Early at GOX Airport Amid Enhanced Independence Day Security

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, August 12, 2025 – As part of nationwide security measures leading up to India’s 79th Independence Day, Manohar International Airport (GOX) in Goa has issued a passenger advisory urging travellers to arrive well in advance of their flight departure times.

✈️ Why the Advisory?

To ensure the safety of all passengers and staff, airport security protocols have been intensified from August 12 through August 15, 2025. These include:

  • Stricter screening at entry and security checkpoints
  • Additional document verification
  • Increased surveillance and patrolling across terminal premises

⏰ Recommended Arrival Times:

  • Domestic flights: At least 2.5 hours before departure
  • International flights: At least 3.5 hours before departure

Passengers are also requested to carry valid ID proofs, limit carry-on luggage, and cooperate with security staff for a smooth process.

🙏 A Message from Airport Authorities

“Your understanding and cooperation during this time are deeply appreciated,” said an airport spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring both security and convenience for every traveller.”

As the nation prepares to celebrate its freedom, safety remains a top priority. Travellers are encouraged to plan accordingly, stay informed through official airport updates, and extend patience during this temporary but essential measure.

📍 Airport: Manohar International Airport (GOX), Mopa – North Goa
📅 Advisory in effect: August 12–15, 2025
 📞 For live updates, follow @goaairport or check your airline’s notifications.