Tag Archives: Indian government

Giving tourism and trade a major upswing, the Indian government has approved a new railway line connecting Mumbai and Indore. This 309 km route will be the shortest rail link between the two commercial hubs, reducing travel time significantly. The project, estimated to cost Rs. 18,036 crores, is expected to be completed by 2028-29. This new rail connection will not only enhance connectivity but also promote tourism in the region, especially to the popular religious sites of Ujjain and Indore.

The Indian government has reportedly increased the visa fee in different categories for nationals from the US, the UK, Canada, Israel, Iran and UAE. As per a government notification, a tourist visa up to one year will now cost $153 from the earlier $100. The tourist visa for over a year and up to five years will cost $306 instead of $120. Mainly affecting foreigners who work in the country, the move comes about as a reciprocal measure, since countries like the US, New Zealand and Australia have planned or already implemented such processes. However, UK nationals, who used to cough up $162 for a tourist visa up to a year, will now pay $248. And for a five year tourist visa, they will pay $741 instead of $484. For the employment visa, nationals from Canada, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand will now pay $459 instead of $300 for a visa spanning over a year and up to five years. Israelis continue to cough up the most for a short-term visa. They will now pay $1,714 instead of $1,120.