Air India’s low cost subsidiary Air India Express Expands to 58 Destinations in Major Post-Crash Revival
After June’s deadly crash in Bengaluru cast a long shadow over its operations of Air India , its low cost subsidiary, Air India Express is in expansion mode, signalling a robust revival with the addition of three new cities to its network — Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. From September 1, 2025, the airline will connect Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to its Bengaluru hub with twice-daily flights, while Dehradun will join the network from September 15 with daily services. The additions will take the carrier’s footprint to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, its largest network to date. The low-cost arm of Air India, now operating a fleet of 116 aircraft, is positioning itself as India’s fastest-growing airline. The expansion marks a turnaround from the turbulence that followed the Bengaluru crash, in which dozens lost their lives, sparking safety concerns and operational reviews. Industry analysts say the carrier’s rapid return to growth reflects both a strategic push by the Tata Group and increased post-pandemic demand for domestic and regional connectivity. “With our fleet now exceeding 115 aircraft, we continue to build a robust network focusing on connectivity between metros and emerging cities,” said Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh. He promised passengers “a warm, reliable flying experience” with enhanced in-flight services and competitive fares, starting from ₹4,100. The new routes cater to both business and leisure travellers: Ahmedabad offers a gateway to Gujarat’s industrial heartland and cultural heritage; Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states and a symbol of post-independence modernism; and Dehradun opens direct access to Uttarakhand’s spiritual centres and Himalayan trekking circuits. Air India Express is also betting on its ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform to drive ancillary revenue, offering bundled packages of flights, hotels, and local experiences. The airline’s fleet features the Tales of India livery, with each aircraft showcasing designs inspired by regional crafts such as Gujarat’s Bandhani, Punjab’s Phulkari, and Uttarakhand’s Aipan art — a branding strategy aimed at deepening its cultural connection with passengers. From Bengaluru alone, Air India Express now operates over 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic and three international destinations, with one-stop connections to an additional 19 cities worldwide. For survivors and families affected by the Bengaluru crash, the expansion is a poignant reminder of how far the airline has come. For the company, it’s a calculated step towards reclaiming market share and restoring public trust — a journey from tragedy to transformation that continues to play out in India’s highly competitive aviation market.
Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, husband Raj Kundra face fraud case over Rs 60 crore business deal
Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, are under investigation by Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) following a complaint by local businessman Deepak Kothari alleging they misappropriated over ₹60 crore ($7.2 million) meant for business investment. According to the police complaint, Kothari said Shetty and Kundra obtained the funds between 2015 and 2023 after promising to invest them in their online retail venture, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, where Shetty held an 87.6% stake at the time. Kothari alleged that an intermediary, Rajesh Arya, introduced him to the couple and initially sought a ₹75 crore loan at a 12% annual interest rate. The couple later proposed that Kothari invest instead to avoid higher taxes, promising business growth. Kothari said he transferred ₹31.9 crore in April 2015, followed by additional payments over the years, totaling ₹60.48 crore. However, he alleges the money was spent on personal expenses rather than business purposes. Mumbai Police have registered a case against Shetty, Kundra, and Arya, and the EOW has begun an investigation. Representatives for Shetty and Kundra did not immediately respond to Press’’ requests for comment.
Hidco orders PKG Medical College Hospital to change land use, demands Rs 122 crore
West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (Hidco) has ordered PKG Medical College Hospital in New Town to change the designated land use from “information technology” to “institutional” and demanded Rs 122 crore as conversion fees, according to officials familiar with the matter. The notice, sent about 10–12 days ago, states the hospital was built on land earmarked for the IT sector in New Town’s DH Block without altering its land-use status. The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has refused to renew the hospital’s trade licence, which expired in March 2024, until Hidco grants clearance. Hospital authorities have rejected the demand as “unjustified” and accused Hidco of acting illegally. “We offered Rs 477,000 per cottah, but Hidco demanded an additional Rs 100 cr,” hospital head Pradip Kumar Ghosh told a Bengali daily, blaming the agency for delays. Officials said the hospital, built on over 4.5 acres, has also not obtained an occupancy certificate or a fire licence. Despite this, outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and patient admissions are continuing, according to a recent visit by reporters. Former doctors at the facility have alleged discrepancies in bed numbers reported to different agencies and the absence of safety clearances. An NKDA official said no new trade licence will be issued without Hidco’s approval. A senior Hidco official said the agency is acting to ensure the hospital complies with regulations. The hospital’s promoters claim they invested ₹8 billion two years ago but have been unable to start full academic operations, leaving enrolled students without classes. They also allege Hidco has threatened to shut the facility if the dues are not paid.
