Saturday, March 12, 2011

Delhi's Airport Metro makes you Fly, Marvel Passengers

Mohammad Kamil, a 42-year-old non-resident Indian returning from Saudi Arabia, is in complete awe of the Metro Express that takes one from the New Delhi railway station to the international airport in just 20 minutes.

"I can't differentiate between Saudi Arabia and India right now. The speed, comfort and the time and money I save by using it - it's just fantastic value. With such developments, I feel proud to be an Indian," Kamil told IANS.
 As more and more people get to use the new Metro line, they are loving the ambience, the speed, and its super efficiency. Proud residents say the Delhi Airport Metro Express will play a pivotal role in transforming Delhi into a world class city.

According to officials of the Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL), around 7,000 travellers are using the service on a daily basis.

The airport express line commenced operations Feb 23 and is Delhi Metro's first public-private partnership project. Delhi Metro is responsible for the civil work and Reliance Infrastructure will operate the line for 30 years and share the revenues.

The 20-km journey takes 20 minutes and LCD screens display flight information inside the train coaches. The distance otherwise takes over an hour to cover by road.

"I took the Metro from the New Delhi railway station and it should have taken 20 minutes to reach here, but the journey was completed in just 19 minutes," said an amazed Nazir Iqbal, who had come to drop his sister at the airport.

According to Sharad Sahni, the new Metro line is a wonderful alternative to other modes of transport like taxis and uncomfortable auto-rickshaws.

"You have the luxury to travel air-conditioned at half the price of other public transport and minus the jams, heat and smoke," said the second-time traveller.

"The speed at which it is travelling - I read it is 105 km per hour - you get the feel of an aircraft and with the superb amenities at the stations, our air journey begins the minute we enter the Metro station!" Sahni added.

However, some travellers opined that the tickets could have been cheaper and direct baggage check-in from the station should be introduced as soon as possible. Officials say this will be possible in a few months. The travel from the New Delhi railway station to the airport costs 80 and the full journey up to Dwarka Sector-21 costs 100. 

Source: www.siliconindia.com

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Friday, January 7, 2011

10 great places for travel bargains in 2011

Even if your budget is stretched, 2011 can still be a year of travel. It's just a matter of choosing the right place.

Far from resenting your presence, local business owners are glad to have you there filling hotels and restaurants. Leffel shares his tips for this year's bargain vacation spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Mexico
Although drug-related violence has been concentrated near the U.S. border, many travelers have avoided the entire country. That means incredible bargains in Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and other resort areas.
Nepal
You don't have to be a mountain climber to experience the home of Mount Everest. Visitors can take fascinating cultural tours out of Kathmandu.
The Asian country has been a bargain destination for a decade, and there's no reason that will change in 2011, Leffel says. Resort islands like Bali are easy to reach, and although the country is popular with Australians.
Honduras
With first-class diving and Mayan ruins, Honduras has long been a bargain vacation spot. But tourists have stayed away since a political power struggle in 2009.
Vietnam
Whether you're a backpacker looking for $5-a-night flophouse, or a high-end visitor seeking a luxury hotel, you'll find bargains here. Vietnam is one of the few Asian countries where the dollar gained value in 2010.
This Mediterranean country has been attracting tourists for millennia, and despite its recent debt crisis, that's not going to change. But the protests and strikes, compounded with the recession that has cut the number of European visitors, means there's excess capacity now.
Ireland
It's likely the Emerald Isle's financial crisis will bring travel discounts this year, Leffel says. The country added scores of hotels during its recent economic boom, and now hoteliers are reporting trouble filling rooms.
Ethiopia
Not only does this African nation have incredible ruins and scenery, but its currency dropped more than almost any other — nearly 30% against the dollar in 2010. Ethiopia suffers from its location next to troubled Somalia.
Hungary
This Eastern European nation has all the charm of its western neighbors at lower costs. The country hasn't yet adopted the euro, and its currency fell more than 10% against the dollar in 2010.
The USA
Few people realize what a travel bargain they have at home. Look for deals in places that depend on conventions, such as Las Vegas and Orlando. If you stay away from holiday and peak travel periods, you can find great deals.
More at: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2011-01-06-travel-bargains-2011_N.htm
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