Airfares from Ahmedabad skyrocket for Diwali travel season, city records highest temperature in Gujarat, Punitnagar railway crossing closed for bullet train project work, and more. Stay updated with what's happening in the city with this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

Domestic airfares for travel from Ahmedabad during the Diwali holiday period have soared significantly, with rates up to 164% higher than regular prices for journeys between the 31st of October and the 5th of November. For instance, a return ticket to Chennai now costs ₹31,706, compared to the usual fare of ₹12,000.

The surge in prices reflects the increased demand for travel during the festive season, as these routes are popular for tourists looking to connect to holiday destinations from Ahmedabad.

Despite the onset of north-easterly winds in Gujarat, Ahmedabad’s temperature has been rising due to atmospheric instability, making it the hottest city in the state. On Thursday, the city recorded a high of 37.4°C, 1.4°C above the normal temperature, while the minimum temperature also rose to 25.5°C, 3.3°C above average.

The weather department forecasts similar conditions for the next four to five days, with temperatures likely hovering between 36°C and 37°C.

As part of the ongoing bullet train project, construction at the Punitnagar railway crossing—within the Isanpur to Vatwa GIDC section—has advanced to the next phase.

The Dineshchandra R. Agarwal Company will now begin placing segments on the already erected pillars. Consequently, the Punitnagar Railway Crossing will be closed to vehicular traffic from the 18th of October 18 to the 28th of October as the work progresses.

The Kharikat canal development project in eastern Ahmedabad has restarted after a 10-day delay caused by the state irrigation department's continued release of water.

The department has now halted the water flow, allowing cleaning operations to begin, expected to take 15 days before construction resumes. Municipal officials, after negotiating with senior irrigation authorities, emphasized the urgency to expedite the project.