This week in travel was busy on the rails, in the hills and at the airport gate. A new overnight train began its Varanasi run, Buddha relics reached Tawang, and flights to Saudi Arabia stayed grounded. Here is what happened, and what it means if you are planning a trip from India.
This week in travel starts on the rails
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Varanasi and New Delhi was set to start on 31 October and run six days a week, Organiser reports. Train 27421 leaves Varanasi at 8:50 pm and reaches New Delhi at 5:55 am. Train 27422 leaves New Delhi at 9:40 pm and arrives at 6:45 am. It stops at Prayagraj and Kanpur Central.
The 16 air-conditioned coaches carry 823 passengers, and the approved running speed is 160 kmph. So you can sleep through the journey and start a working day on arrival. Our pages on timings and stops and the cabin inside cover the rest.
Buddha relics open to visitors in Arunachal
The Ministry of Culture and the Arunachal Pradesh government are hosting an exposition of holy relics of the Buddha from Piprahwa, from 31 October to 21 November, as the Press Information Bureau notes. Public darshan runs at Tawang Monastery from 1 to 7 November. It then moves to Bomdila from 8 to 13 November and to the Golden Pagoda in Namsai from 14 to 20 November.
Timings can change with weather and security, so confirm before you travel. Tawang also needs a permit and some altitude planning. Our darshan guide and Tawang travel guide help with both.
Saudi flights stay cancelled until 14 November
Air India and Air India Express extended cancellations to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam until 14 November, citing the security situation in West Asia, Business Today reports. Passengers with bookings made by 30 October get one free rebooking for travel up to 29 November, or a full refund. IndiGo has paused Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until 14 November, while Akasa Air has paused Riyadh until 30 November.
Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Indian workers and families, so the impact is wide. For example, check your airline’s app before heading to the airport, because dates may shift again. Our note on the 48 hour flight cancellation rule explains related rights.
Air India Express starts its biggest winter schedule
Air India Express began its winter schedule on 25 October, rolling it out in phases, Travel Trade Journal reports. It adds more than 40 routes and about 585 daily flights. New links include Bengaluru to Kathmandu, Chennai to Singapore, Delhi to Port Blair and Delhi to Udaipur.
More routes usually mean more choice and sharper fares on busy sectors. However, schedules can change early in a season, so book flexible tickets where you can. Read our winter schedule guide for the full picture.
The one to watch
Watch the shift of flights to Navi Mumbai airport. IndiGo and Air India Express plan to move some services from December 2026 to mid-2027, so that Mumbai’s Terminal 1 can be redeveloped by 2030, NewsBytes reports. IndiGo plans 12 daily international departures from there, and Air India Express starts four daily domestic flights in December. Because the move is gradual, your airport may change for a route you fly often. Check the airport on your ticket every time, and read our guide to getting to Navi Mumbai airport.