The post Trip.com Group sees longer stays and unique destinations for the Lunar New Year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Trip.com Group released its Lunar New Year travel trends report which revolves around the themes of wisdom, intuition, and transformation reflecting the constantly evolving landscape. 

With travel back in full swing, Trip.com Group’s report shows how travellers are prioritising longer stays, meaningful experiences and unconventional destinations this year.

Most notably, data reveals strong year-on-year growth for cross-border travel, with travellers combining public holidays and annual leave to increase their length of stay.

How long will the holiday be for travellers in different countries?

In the Chinese mainland, a source market for LNY travel, New Year’s Eve is officially recognised as a holiday in 2025, allowing travellers to take just two days of leave for an eleven-day holiday. 

Korean travellers need to take one day for a nine-day break, while Singaporeans can create a five-day holiday with a single day off. 

As such, extended stays are a hallmark of this year’s LNY. 

On average, Asia-Pacific travellers will stay up to 10 percent longer this festive period.

Where are people going

Popular destinations frequented by travellers who celebrate LNY include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Chinese mainland.

Data shows a strong pick-up in travellers exploring destinations outside the Asia-Pacific region, with medium and long-haul flights surging, especially among the Malaysia market and South Korean market.

Travellers are also seeking new experiences, with a noticeable buzz around off-the-beaten-path destinations this festive season. 

Lesser-travelled gems such as Giza (Egypt), famous for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx; San Luis Obispo (USA), known for its wineries and scenic coastline; and Charenton-le-Pont (France), located southeast of central Paris, are catching the eyes of travellers seeking unique experiences beyond the usual tourist trail. 

This trend extends to popular Asian destinations, with more seeking out lesser-known cities, such as Funabashi, Ibaraki and Okinawa (Japan) and Seremban (Malaysia).

Short-haul flights remained a popular option among travellers with shorter national holidays. Malaysia and Thailand topped the charts for this in terms of booking volume growth.

Travelling with family takes centre stage

Family gatherings are central to Lunar New Year traditions, and this year, families are heading out together for festive fun on the seas and on theme park rides.

Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Chinese mainland and Singaporean consumers, with data highlighting a triple-digit growth compared to last year. 

Among these, family-friendly rooms have risen by 400 percent, with the most popular ports including Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai, and attractive port destinations being Fukuoka (Japan), Jeju (South Korea) and Phuket (Thailand). 

Trip.com Group research reveals luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages are emerging as the biggest motivators for APAC cruise travellers.

In a similar trend, child tickets for attractions have also risen by 42 percent in overall bookings this year, with family-oriented attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland seeing notable increases. 

These theme park attractions, alongside aquariums and museums, are top choices for families seeking memorable experiences.

Millennials are increasingly seeking Instagram-worthy moments at attractions like Mount Fuji and Shibuya Sky, which offers panoramic Tokyo views. 

Meanwhile, the older generations are prioritising luxury and premium experiences, gravitating towards luxuries such as Studio City Macau casino resort and Niseko’s ski resorts.

Seeking luxury and value   

Travellers are adopting a mix of premium and value-driven approaches to maximise their holiday experiences.

There has been a strong pickup in bookings for 5- and 4-star hotels, with a rise in average bookings. 

Malaysian travellers lead this growth with close to a triple-digit surge in 5- and 4-star hotel bookings, followed by Singaporean and Thai travellers. 

Demand for alternative accommodations has grown significantly, especially in Japan, with traditional Japanese Ryokans, apartments, guesthouses and homestays topping the list for Chinese mainland, Thai and South Korean travellers.

Notably, the average traveller’s budget has seen double-digit growth, showcasing a willingness to invest in meaningful experiences during this festive season. 

Business class and first-class flights are trending this LNY, with strong double-digit growth across each segment. 

Singaporeans favour first-class air travel, with a 400 percent growth compared to last year, followed by South Korean and Chinese mainland travellers, also with strong triple-digit growth.

Triple-digit growth for inbound travel to Mainland China

Inbound travel bookings to the Chinese mainland have surged by over 200 percent year-on-year, with top bookings made by travellers from South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the UK. 

Data shows that popular Chinese travel routes continue to find increased popularity, with searches hitting triple-digit growth. 

Travel is centred around key major cities, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, with other lesser-travelled cities like Harbin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Zhuhai, Chongqing, and Hangzhou also making the list.

China’s increasingly traveller-friendly visa policies are fuelling this growth. 

Over 30 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the Chinese mainland, with 62 percent Y-o-Y growth in bookings from countries recently included in this policy. 

South Korea, Japan, Cyprus, Denmark and Croatia are benefiting from this recent policy.

Additionally, China’s expanded visa-free transit policy, now extending to stays up to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible international travellers, is injecting fresh vitality into its various sectors.

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The post Challenge Tour welcomes HotelPlanner as Title Partner appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Challenge Tour and HotelPlanner jointly announced a multi-year partnership, with the travel technology company becoming the Tour’s title partner from the start of the 2025 season.

HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology company that combines proprietary artificial intelligence agents (HotelPlanner.ai) and a 24-hour global gig-based reservations and customer service network, becomes the Challenge Tour’s first title partner since its first official season in 1989. The partnership will help grow the Tour through increased prize funds and by helping to elevate the standard of events on the Road to Mallorca.

The 2025 HotelPlanner Tour schedule begins in South Africa next week, with the SDC Open taking place at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa from January 23-26. In total, players will compete for a record total prize fund of over €9,000,000 on the HotelPlanner Tour this season, with each European event having a minimum prize fund of €300,000, meaning prize fund increases for 16 events in total in 2025.

The schedule will consist of 29 tournaments staged across three continents in 18 different countries, culminating in the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A in Mallorca.

In addition to their title partnership, HotelPlanner will provide additional investment into six events on the 2025 HotelPlanner Tour schedule, and a total of 40 tournaments throughout the multi-year partnership.

A leading travel technology company, HotelPlanner combines proprietary AI and machine learning capabilities with a 24-hour global customer service network to seamlessly serve all traveller hotel needs from a single platform. They will use their assets, connectivity and people to help grow the Tour and open doors for the game of golf across the world through global travel.

Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director, said: “Today’s announcement is undoubtedly a momentous one in the proud history of our Tour. Our Tour will be strengthened because of this hugely significant deal, and that was essential to us and to HotelPlanner. This new partnership will increase prize funds for our membership and elevate the standard of our events. The global reach of HotelPlanner is also aligned with the diversity of our membership and the places and cultures we visit.”

Tim Hentschel, HotelPlanner Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to become the title partner of the Challenge Tour. This partnership provides an excellent platform to engage with customers, prospects, and stakeholders, and build our brand. We share the same vision and values as the Tour, and as a leading travel technology company we will use our people, assets, and connectivity to help grow the game of golf globally and the Tour further. The Challenge Tour has been the foundation of so many great golfing names and we are excited to see the HotelPlanner Tour continue to open doors for the next generation of superstars.”

HotelPlanner are a leading travel technology company that combines proprietary artificial intelligence agents (HotelPlanner.ai) and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. Founded in 2003, HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with the world’s largest Online Travel Agencies, sports franchises, well-known hotel chains, individual hotels, online wedding providers, ancillary lodging providers, corporations, universities and government agencies.

 

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The post Boracay MICE Alliance presents the Great Boracay Getaway appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA) is currently running its Great Boracay Getaway campaign which offers up to 75 percent discounts in tour packages, hotels, and dining outlets.

The BMA is composed of leading private-sector tourism stakeholders on the island, who aim to position Boracay as a premier hub for MICE. 

The campaign is meant to entice more tourists to explore what the Alliance describes as a refreshed and reinvigorated Boracay.

The Great Boracay Getaway kicked off on 15th January and runs until 15th February, featuring more than a hundred exclusive packages from nearly 30 top-tier properties on the island.

The packages come with non-expiring vouchers, giving travelers the freedom to book at their convenience.

A brighter, better Boracay

The island destination underwent a comprehensive overhaul for six months, along with extensive renovations throughout the pandemic years.

According to BMA chair Cleofe Albiso: “Travelers can look forward to a destination that offers endless water activities, vibrant culinary offerings, and the most pristine beaches. There’s much to choose from—and we want the world to know just how excited we are to welcome them back.”

The BMA hopes that this initiative will encourage longer stays as more than a thousand vouchers will be made available to allow tourists to curate their own Boracay trip.

Some participating establishments also offer exclusive door-to-door travel packages, beachfront room deals, island-hopping activities, and spa and massage vouchers.

Participating brands for the campaign include Almon Ink Tattoo, Altabriza Resort Boracay, Alta Vista, Aria Cucina Italiana, Azalea Hotels, B and C, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Boracay Adventures, Boracay Amor Apartments, Boracay Beach Truck, Boracay Grace, Boracay Haven Resort, Boracay Haven Suites, Boracay Newcoast properties, Cafe del Sol, Crimson Boracay, Grand Blue, Hama Japanese Cuisine, Mega Paraw, My Boracay Guide, New Lounge, Ondus, Purple Diaries, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Shore Time Condotel, Shore Time Hotel, and Viaje.

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The post Rashmi Soni joins IndiGo as Vice President- Corporate Communications appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Rashmi joins us from PayU. A Stanford certified project manager, Rashmi has over 28 years of experience working in Leadership roles with multinational technology brands like Adobe, Tata Teleservices, Ericsson, Hughes Software Systems. She has also worked with Vistara, where she worked as the Vice President & Head of Corporate Communication and was part of Vistara’s launch team.

C Leekha, Vice President – Corporate Communications (Media & PR), has decided to move on from IndiGo to pursue external opportunities. We would like to thank Leekha for all her contributions to IndiGo over the past 6 years, including the difficult Covid phase. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo says, “I would like to express my appreciation for Leekha for her work, commitment and dedication on Corporate & Brand Communication past years contributing to the incredible journey of IndiGo.”

On joining IndiGo, Rashmi says, “My passion and interest in aviation drives me to be part of IndiGo, India’s leading and fastest growing airline. I am excited about this incredible opportunity and look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s remarkable growth journey.”

Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo adds, “I warmly welcome Rashmi to the IndiGo family. We look forward to leveraging her rich professional experience to help further take IndiGo into our ambitious next phase of becoming a global aviation player.”

 

 

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The post Radisson Blu, Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road awarded the LEED Zero Carbon Certification appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Radisson Blu, Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road is rounding out an important year of sustainability-focused milestones by being awarded the prestigious LEED Zero Carbon Certification this month. LEED Zero, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net-zero goals and signifies market leadership. This follows the hotel’s other important accolade received earlier this year: the hotel was the first in India to be awarded the prestigious LEED V 4.1 Platinum Certificate (for Operations & Maintenance of an Existing Building).

LEED Zero Carbon recognizes net zero carbon emissions from energy consumption through carbon emissions avoided or off-set over a period of 12 months. For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for high performance buildings and spaces, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through strategies impacting land, energy, transportation, water, waste and materials. Building on that work, USGBC has developed LEED Zero, a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net zero goals in existing buildings.

Says Mr. Austin Roach (Chairman, Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road – A venture by Roach Lifescapes), “It is indeed heartening to see that our consistent and sincere efforts to protect and preserve the environment are being recognized by some of the world’s leading institutions that are themselves working to accelerate impactful change. Once we were awarded the LEED V 4.1 Platinum Certificate, we then set our sights on achieving net-zero goals – the LEED Zero Carbon Certification is proof of the entire hotel team’s tireless and enthusiastic support of our environmental goals.”

Radisson Blu Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, has taken many, impactful steps, including investments in renewable energy and innovation, to ensure a consistent reduction of its carbon footprint. The hotel building is 100% powered by green energy, which is generated from its own solar plant. This makes it de facto a net zero energy building. Most of the hotel’s cars used for guest commutes are EVs and in addition, these cars charge on-site with electricity that is generated from the hotel’s solar plant

The hotel has an in-house bio-gas plant, which converts waste into biogas which is sufficient to fully supply the staff canteen for cooking purposes.  The useful by-product of the process is high-quality organic sludge, which is further used to fertilize the gardens. This has allowed the hotel to completely move away from non-organic fertilizers. This system has allowed the hotel to achieve 100% circularity as far as organic waste management is concerned, making it an industry first in the hospitality sector in India.

To avoid using single-use plastic bottled water, the hotel has installed an in-house water bottling plant and refills glass bottles used in all guest rooms, restaurants, and banquet facilities. This system alone has allowed to avoid more than a tonne of plastic waste every year.

The hotel excels in minimizing water use. It has a robust rainwater capture, reuse, and recharge system in place. Over 40% of the roof area is used for storing in the rainwater sump and re-using the captured rainwater for domestic purposes through a filtration plant. The water used for the large on-site laundry is 100% circular. An ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) of 40 Kilo Litre Per Day has been installed to recycle all of the hotel’s laundry water. The same water goes to an STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) for further processing and to bring it back to the required quality for reuse, the water is then run through UF (Ultra Filtrations) and RO (Reverse Osmosis).

 

 

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The post Mumbai International Airport witnesses 54.8 million passengers in CY2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Closing 2024 on a high note, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) welcomed approximately 54.8 million passengers over the year. This marks a notable growth of 6.3% compared to CY 2023 and 19.41% compared to pre-pandemic CY 2019. CSMIA also recorded 346,617 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs), marking a 3.2% increase over the previous year. These milestones reinforce the airport’s standing as a key global hub, connecting millions of travellers year after year. CSMIA remains a vital gateway for domestic and international travel, showcasing sustained growth and resilience. By enhancing connectivity and ensuring operational excellence, it continues to shape the future of aviation, connecting millions worldwide.

CY2024 was an outstanding year for CSMIA, marked by significant growth and key milestones in passenger traffic and operational efficiency. The airport recorded its highest single-day passenger movement on December 21, 2024, serving approximately 170,000 passengers, including 116,982 domestic and 52,800 international travellers. December also emerged as the busiest month, with 5.05 million passengers, showcasing a 3.4% growth over December 2023. Additionally, the airport achieved a milestone with over 8,000 international ATMs in December, further strengthening its position as a global travel hub.

3 and 10 February 2024, saw CSMIA handle its highest-ever single-day ATMs for CY 2024, with 962 movements on both days, reflecting its operational efficiency and adaptability to surging demand. The year also saw peak passenger movement during holiday seasons, demonstrating the Airport’s ability to handle high-demand periods seamlessly.

Key Traffic Highlights

• Top Domestic Destinations and market share: Delhi (18%), Bengaluru (11%), and Goa (7%).
• Top International Destinations and market share: Dubai (16%), London (7%), and Abu Dhabi (7%).
• Top Regions for passenger travel: Middle East (48.8%), Asia-Pacific (28.2%), and Europe (14.5%).

Expanding Connectivity

CSMIA continued to enhance its network, introducing international routes to Tashkent and Almaty and domestic destinations like Deoghar, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Ayodhya, and Vijayawada. The airport also welcomed prominent carriers, including Nok Air, Thai Viet Jet, Salam Air, Uzbekistan Airways, and Air Astana, further cementing its status as a preferred gateway for global travel.

CSMIA’s outstanding performance in CY 2024 highlights its unwavering commitment to operational excellence, exceptional passenger experiences, and expanding global connectivity. With sustained growth, innovation, and strategic expansion, CSMIA remains a leader in the aviation industry, setting new benchmarks for excellence and adaptability.

 

 

 

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The post Bikaner Municipal Corporation launches Bikaner Heritage Walk appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Bikaner Municipal Corporation has recently launched Bikaner Heritage Walk with the aim of promoting the heritage conservation of the city. Through this initiative, the Municipal Corporation aims to invite locals and travellers to explore the city’s vibrant history and culture and also raise awareness among stakeholders about heritage-related issues while involving them in future planning and strategies to preserve Bikaner’s rich legacy.

The Bikaner District Administration and Bikaner Municipal Corporation have also established the Heritage Conservation Cell and the Bikaner District Heritage Committee to restore the historic landmarks of the city. The Heritage Conservation Cell will work towards identifying and documenting Bikaner’s hidden treasures-from its majestic havelis and temples to its vibrant crafts and traditions.

Through public awareness campaigns, restoration projects, and partnerships with experts and stakeholders, the Cell will weave heritage preservation into the fabric of everyday life. Whether it’s promoting sustainable tourism or integrating traditional architecture with modern urban planning, the Cell will balance the need for development with the responsibility of preserving Bikaner’s timeless charm.

According to Mayank Manish, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bikaner, “The goal of the Bikaner Heritage Cell is to raise awareness and promote the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings and sites in Bikaner. It has been established to preserve the cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, which is embodied in its historic buildings and sites.”

Emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community in safeguarding Bikaner’s legacy, Bikaner’s District Collector Namrata Vrishni said, “The District Heritage Committee will not only oversee heritage-related matters but also engage relevant stakeholders to protect Bikaner’s rich cultural legacy. It is essential for local residents and Haveli owners to collaborate with local authorities to preserve the city’s heritage and traditions.”

Bikaner is the city of a thousand havelis. These grand havelis, once filled with the bustle of wealthy merchant families, now stand as remnants of Bikaner’s opulent past. The walled city’s architecture and urban design offer both practical solutions to the harsh desert climate and a celebration of traditional craftsmanship. From intricately carved stone jharokhas (balconies) to perforated jaalis and ornate chajjas (overhangs), every corner tells a story.

Unfortunately, over the years, many of the merchants relocated, leaving their ancestral homes under the care of custodians. Some havelis have been divided among multiple owners, while others face neglect and deterioration. Modern construction has begun to replace the historic landscape, eroding the city’s architectural beauty. Poor maintenance, inadequate waste management, and climate challenges further threaten these masterpieces. Without immediate conservation efforts, Bikaner risks losing its precious heritage.

Lokayan, a non-profit organization, has been dedicated to preserving Bikaner’s havelis for the past 20 years. The NGO’s secretary Gopal Singh, who is a cultural and heritage activist, leads efforts to restore and protect Bikaner’s intricately carved havelis, along with other cultural initiatives.

As per Gopal Singh, “Bikaner, known as the city of a thousand havelis, has unfortunately lost over 200 significant buildings in recent decades. This is a sad reality for a city that holds such a rich cultural identity. It is time to take action, and we need an organization like the Heritage Cell to help us protect and preserve our heritage.”

It is worth noting that in the last 15 years, many Havelis have been demolished but a few Haveli owners have also restored their old Havelis. Raju Mohta restored his 200-years-old haveli located at Mohta Chowk, which is in the heart of the city.

Sharad Lakhotia, who lives in Kolkata but owns a 100-year-old Haveli in Bikaner, recently restored his Haveli along with old artefacts and photographs. Kothari Haveli, Rampuria Haveli, Sonawat Haveli and Sampat Agarwal Haveli have also been restored recently. The newly launched Bikaner Heritage Walk will include a visit to some of these restored havelis.

Bikaner Heritage Walk is more than an exploration of the city’s physical landmarks; it is a celebration of its soul. The walk will commence from Bikaji ki Tekri and delve into the vibrant heart of the city, with the participants meandering through the narrow streets of the Purana Shahar. Walkers will explore the bustling bazaars of the old city, beginning with Chudi Bazaar (Bangles Market). From aromatic spices to intricate textiles, these markets offer a sensory feast that is integral to the Bikaner experience. The walk will then lead deeper into the bylanes, offering glimpses of Bikaner’s culinary heritage at Bada Bazaar and Sabzi Bazaar. The art of Juti or Mojari making will draw participants further into the city’s rich traditions.

The journey will continue to Marunayak Chowk, where the participants will get an insight into Bikaner’s textile artistry in the form of block printing and screen printing, both preserved through generations. The walk will conclude with a journey through Hanuman Ji Ka Mandir and Asaniyon Ka Chowk, leading to the iconic Rampuria Haveli—a magnificent symbol of Bikaner’s opulent past that is believed to have been built during the 14th–15th century.

 

 

 

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The post Singapore Airlines commits to four more years as title sponsor of Formula 1® Singapore Grand Prix  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has renewed its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix for another four years, continuing its long-standing partnership with one of the most anticipated events in the F1 calendar.

The Airline has been the title sponsor of the event for 11 years, beginning with the 2014 edition of this iconic race. This latest extension will cover the event, which will continue to be called the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, from this year’s race, which is scheduled for 3 to 5 October 2025 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, through to the 2028 edition.

Renowned as one of F1’s premier events, the Singapore Grand Prix features drivers racing through the city streets against the spectacular backdrop of its night-time skyline. The event has bolstered Singapore’s reputation as a business and tourism hub, with numerous international events and meetings organised to coincide with the race, complementing SIA’s global network.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “The Singapore Grand Prix is an important event in Singapore’s sporting and tourism calendar. It has become iconic not just for showcasing our beautiful skyline, but also for highlighting Singapore’s position as a key global hub. This extension underscores Singapore Airlines’ long-standing commitment to supporting the development of sports and tourism in Singapore.”

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1, said: “We are delighted that Singapore Airlines will continue as the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX. Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further elevate this event for years to come.”

 

 

 

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The post RailYatri Data highlights improved punctuality for train travellers in 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Train travellers across India experienced more timely journeys nationally in 2024, though some routes and regions still face challenges. The insights are based on data aggregated from train travellers using the RailYatri platform, revealing a commendable reduction in delays for train travellers nationwide. The national train delays faced by the travellers  dropped by nearly 8% in 2024 compared to 2023. The median delays dropped from 20 mins to 18 mins nationally.

Improvements for travellers in many states

Train travellers in many states have benefitted from significant reductions in delays. Passengers traveling in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Gujarat reported notable improvements in punctuality, with reductions in delays ranging from 16% to 32% in 2024, making travel more predictable and convenient in these regions.

• Uttarakhand: 32% reduction in delays. (Avg: 35 mins, Median: 10 mins)
• Punjab: 20% reduction in delays. (Avg: 42 mins, Median: 15 mins)
• Gujarat: 19% reduction in delays. (Avg: 24 mins, Median: 11 mins)
• Chhattisgarh: 18% reduction in delays. (Avg: 61 mins, Median: 22 mins)
• Madhya Pradesh: 16% reduction in delays. (Avg: 53 mins, Median: 19 mins)

However few states where passengers faced increased delays in 2024 in comparison to 2023 were

• West Bengal: 16% increase in delays (Avg: 48 mins, Median: 18 mins)
• Odisha: 5% increase in delays (Avg: 69 mins, Median: 35 mins)
• Tamil Nadu: 4% increase in delays (Avg: 29 mins, Median: 14 mins)
• Kerala: 3% increase in delays (Avg: 31 mins, Median: 16 mins)
• Assam: 2% increase in delays (Avg: 53 mins, Median: 20 mins)

State-wise – Train Travellers facing least and most delays in 2024

• Least Delays (Median-wise)
  • Uttarakhand: 10 mins
  • Gujarat: 10 mins
  • Tamil Nadu: 14 mins
  • Delhi: 14 mins
  • Punjab: 15 mins
• Most Delays (Median wise)
  • Goa: 41 mins
  • Odisha: 35 mins
  • Telangana: 35 mins
  • Uttar Pradesh: 23 mins
  • Chattisgarh: 22 mins

Delays in 2024 by Train Types

Delays in 2024 was also dependent on the train type which train travellers decided to take – 

1. Humsafar Express: While travellers on Humsafar still faced the maximum average delays (~55 mins) in 2024 compared to other train types, but compared to 2023 it showed significant reduction in delays by nearly 22%. (Avg: 55 mins, Median: 19 mins)
2. Duronto Express: Travellers using Duronto Express still faced significant delays (~ 47 mins) in 2024, but compared to 2023 there was a 14% reduction in delays. (Avg: 47 mins, Median: 15 mins)
3. Shatabdi Express: Historically known for its timeliness, travellers faced 10% lesser delays on these trains in 2024. (Avg: 17 mins, Median: 10 mins)
4. Mail/Express/Superfast: Train travellers on these workhorses of Indian Railways (constitutes nearly 60% of long distance trains in India) saw a 6% improvement on delays compared to 2023. (Avg: 39 mins; Median: 19 mins)
5. Intercity Trains: Attributed as the poor cousin of Shatabdi trains and designed for daily commuter communities, Intercity train travellers saw nearly 8% improvement on punctuality in 2024. (Avg: 25 mins; Median: 16 mins)
6. Vande Bharat: India’s flagship modern train saw an increase in average delays by nearly 21%. However, even with this increase, travellers of Vande Bharat trains should know that they traveled on the most punctual trains. (Avg: 17 mins, Median: 8 mins)
7. Rajdhani: Train travellers on these iconic long distance trains saw delays increasing by 14% in 2024. (Avg: 36 mins, Median: 15 mins)
8. Jan Shatabdi: Train travellers on the common man’s intercity train saw that delays on their trains increased by 14% in 2024. (Avg: 21 mins, Median: 13 mins)
9. Garib Rath: Garib Rath’s train travellers didn’t see much of a difference in delays over the last 2 years. Delays increased marginally by 5% in 2024 and remained on the higher side for travellers. (Avg: 46 mins, Median: 21 mins)

Delay Comparison: Spotlight on Key Stations

Delays faced by train travellers in 2024 compared with previous year varied across major stations in India with some hubs benefiting from improvements while others experienced challenges.

Travellers from –

• Ahmedabad saw a 21% improvement, (Avg: 32 mins, Median: 7 mins)
• New Delhi, one of the busiest railway hubs, saw a 7% reduction. (Avg: 64 mins, Median: 19 mins)
• Chennai Central saw significant improvements too, seeing 11% reduction in delays. (Avg: 43 mins, Median: 11 mins)

In contrast, travellers from some stations experienced increased delays. Kolkata Howrah saw a significant 28% rise in delays, with average delays escalating to 88 minutes. Vishakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar travellers also faced increases of 16% and 10%, respectively.

 

 

 

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