From the inaugural run of Gujarat's first Kevadia-Ahmedabad Heritage Train to the highly anticipated return of the Ahmedabad National Book Fair, and the bustling travel industry in preparation for the Diwali vacation, and more, stay updated with what's happening in the city with this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

Yesterday marked the inauguration of Gujarat's first heritage train, connecting Kevadia to Ahmedabad. This train is designed to transport visitors to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's memorial, the Statue of Unity, from Ahmedabad and vice versa. The train consists of three coaches, each with 48 seats. Passengers can enjoy the 28-seater air-conditioned restaurant dining car, adorned with teakwood dining tables and two-seater cushioned sofas.

This unique three-coach heritage train will be pulled by an electric engine, meticulously crafted to resemble a steam locomotive, complete with foggers emitting exhaust fumes and a sound system replicating the distinctive sounds of a steam locomotive. Initially, the train will operate as a weekly service, exclusively on Sundays, starting from November 5. The frequency of service will be adjusted based on the public's response.

The AMC has confirmed a public-private partnership (PPP) road project aimed at enhancing the road between the Airport Circle and Indira Bridge junction. Unfortunately, to facilitate this development, 242 trees will need to be felled along the path. Given the increasing concern about air pollution, such projects that necessitate tree cutting have raised questions among the public.

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and election-related disruptions, the Ahmedabad National Book Fair (ANBF) organized by the AMC is set to return this year. Since its inception in 2012, the ANBF has been a prominent event in the city, fostering a culture of reading. The fair is expected to take place either in late December or early January at the Sabarmati Riverfront.

With the festive season of Diwali just around the corner, the demand for domestic and international tour packages has surged in Ahmedabad. Popular domestic destinations include Kashmir, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kerala, Goa, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. For international travel, Dubai, Maldives, Singapore, Bali, and Vietnam are in high demand.

Currently, domestic tour bookings have reached 70-75%, while international tour bookings are at 50-60%, indicating a strong preference for domestic travel during the upcoming holiday season.