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Beach development, new Delhi runway, relief from Covid testing among travel news of week

The COO of Globe All India Services brings you up to speed with what’s new in the world of travel

Kaushik Ghosh Published 27.07.23, 07:18 PM
Singapore Airlines will temporarily increase the seat capacity on its flights from Kolkata during the Durga Puja period

Singapore Airlines will temporarily increase the seat capacity on its flights from Kolkata during the Durga Puja period Shutterstock

Singapore Airlines will temporarily increase the seat capacity on its flights from Kolkata. The airline currently flies daily from Kolkata to Singapore, operating its 154-seater B737-8 aircraft from Tuesday to Fridays and its 303-seater A350-900 aircraft every Monday, Saturday and Sunday. From October 14-23 and again from October 26-30, Singapore Airlines will operate the A350-900 aircraft for all its flights from Kolkata.

The increase in seat capacity coincides with Durga Puja, which will be celebrated from October 20 to October 24 this year, and is targeted at those planning to travel during the Puja vacation.

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Beach development in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has a 975km-long coastline

Andhra Pradesh has a 975km-long coastline Shutterstock

The Andhra Pradesh tourism department will develop 373 beaches in 12 districts of the state. The beaches along the state’s 975km-long coastline that have been identified for development are in the districts of Srikakulam (69), Vizianagaram (14), Visakhapatnam (32), Anakapalli (35), Kakinada (22), Konaseema (20), West Godavari (10), Krishna (26), Bapatla (33), Prakasam (23), Nellore (63) and Tirupati (26). The government plans to engage private players to set up resorts and recreational facilities on the beaches in a bid to promote tourism.

Shell-shaped terminal at Port Blair

Fliers to Port Blair may now land in a brand new shell-shaped terminal. The Rs 710-crore facility will serve around 50 lakh passengers every year. The new integrated terminal building at Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport boasts a unique design and several eco-friendly features like a double-insulated roofing system to reduce heating and skylights that let in sunlight to cut down on use of artificial lights. The new terminal also uses LED lighting.

New runway at Delhi airport

The new runway will increase the capacity of the Delhi airport

The new runway will increase the capacity of the Delhi airport TT archives

Delhi airport recently got a new runway that makes it the only airport in India with four operational runways with the addition of one runway. The 4.4km-long and 45m-wide runway can accommodate wide-body aircraft, including A380 & B-777, and is equipped to handle simultaneous flight operations. The new runway will increase the capacity of the Delhi airport, making it a smoother experience for fliers.

Covid norms eased

India has stopped Covid-19 testing of international travellers

India has stopped Covid-19 testing of international travellers Shutterstock

India has stopped random Covid-19 testing of international travellers from July 20, 2023. Airlines will, however, continue to take adequate precautions and passengers, too, have been asked to do the same. Earlier, a random 2% subset of international travellers would have to undergo RTPCR tests.

Goa to get Unity Mall

The Centre has allocated Rs 100 crore for the Unity Mall project, a unique retail space, in Goa. Unity Mall will serve as a comprehensive destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of Goa. Unity Mall will showcase Goa’s diverse range of handicrafts, art, and cultural heritage and products such as cashew nuts and feni.

(Have a travel query? Mail us at mykolkata@telegraphindia.com)

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