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Southern Command holds military-civil fusion drills across multiple states

The Indian Army’s Southern Command has carried out a series of multi-agency exercises and engagements under its Military Civil Fusion Abhiyan across several states, in an effort to strengthen coordination between the military and civil authorities amid evolving security challenges. The activities were conducted across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and southern states, bringing together the Armed Forces, civil administration, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve preparedness and response mechanisms. Focus on Inter-Agency Coordination Officials said the initiative was aimed at enhancing coordination among institutions that are often required to work together during emergencies and security situations. The engagements saw participation from Central Armed Police Forces, state police, disaster response agencies, civil aviation authorities, as well as departments such as forest and mining, along with academic institutions and industry representatives. According to officials, the exercises focused on key areas including internal security, disaster management, airspace monitoring and protection of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on adopting common procedures and improving information sharing between agencies. Tabletop Exercise in Pune Reviews Emerging Threats A key component of the Abhiyan was a high-level tabletop exercise conducted at the Southern Command headquarters in Pune to assess emerging multi-domain threats in the hinterland. The exercise was chaired by Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth and attended by senior officials from the Maharashtra government, railway authorities, and representatives from central forces and law enforcement agencies. Officials said the exercise reviewed preparedness levels and examined coordination mechanisms required to respond to complex scenarios. Field Exercises and Regional Engagements As part of the initiative, multiple on-ground exercises and discussions were held across different locations. In Pune’s Aundh Military Station, a joint drill involving the Armed Forces, civil administration, police, disaster response agencies and NCC focused on testing coordinated response systems. In Bhopal, a seminar on countering unmanned aerial threats brought together military personnel and civil aviation stakeholders, including representatives from the Airports Authority of India, to discuss emerging risks in airspace security. At Babina, joint activities involving the Army and local departments such as police, forest and mining authorities were conducted to strengthen coordination through surveillance measures, joint patrolling and outreach in nearby areas. In Chennai, a security conference held at the Victory War Memorial brought together senior officials to deliberate on internal security and crisis response strategies. Similar engagements were also conducted in Belagavi and Hyderabad, focusing on training, preparedness and institutional coordination, while exercises in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer aimed at improving coordination and information sharing in strategically sensitive regions. Emphasis on Joint Response Capability Officials indicated that the engagements were designed to streamline coordination, improve communication channels and enable faster decision-making during crises. The exercises also aimed to familiarise different agencies with each other’s roles and operational procedures, which are critical during multi-agency responses. Broader Push for Integrated Preparedness Officials noted that such initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen coordination between military and civilian agencies, particularly in dealing with complex and multi-dimensional security challenges. They added that the Military Civil Fusion Abhiyan reflects an increasing focus on integrated planning and joint response frameworks to enhance overall preparedness.

27 March,2026 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
President Droupadi Murmu poses for a group photograph with officers of the CPES and IES at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Pic/PTI

Droupadi Murmu urges officers to drive inclusive growth through policy outcomes

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday emphasised the critical role of the Central Power Engineering Service (CPES) and the Indian Economic Service (IES) in shaping India’s development trajectory and ensuring that economic policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.  Addressing the officers of both services as they called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said they stand at the forefront of India’s growth story and will play a decisive role in building a stronger, self-reliant nation. She noted that their work would significantly influence policy formulation, reform implementation, and the promotion of inclusive and sustainable development across sectors, reported IANS. President Murmu urged the officers to adopt a forward-looking and solution-oriented approach in governance. She highlighted that India’s rapid economic transformation requires policymakers and technical experts to remain agile, innovative, and deeply committed to public service. She encouraged them to embrace challenges as opportunities to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Droupadi Murmu urges ethical governance, lauds power sector’s role in development According to IANS, President stressed the importance of continuous learning and professional excellence, stating that governance in the modern era demands not only technical expertise but also empathy and ethical commitment. She reminded the officers that policies must be responsive to the needs of a diverse population and grounded in real-world impact. Speaking specifically to CPES officers, Murmu described electricity as a key driver of industrial growth, technological innovation, and improved quality of life. She acknowledged the service’s contribution to developing robust power infrastructure, including generation, transmission, and distribution systems, while maintaining reliability, efficiency, and safety standards. In her interaction with IES officers, she underlined that in a rapidly evolving global and domestic economic environment, their role has become even more crucial. She said IES officers would be instrumental in steering economic policy, managing inflationary pressures, fostering employment, and reducing socio-economic inequalities, reported IANS. President Murmu emphasised that policymaking must go beyond numbers and statistics. "Behind every data point is a human story," she said, adding that the true success of economic policies lies in their ability to uplift lives, especially those of the most vulnerable sections of society. She also highlighted the need for coordination between technical services like CPES and analytical services like IES to ensure that development initiatives are both well-designed and effectively implemented. According to her, such synergy is essential for achieving long-term national goals and ensuring balanced regional development. The interaction underscored the government’s focus on aligning technical expertise and economic planning with citizen-centric outcomes, reinforcing the pivotal role of civil services in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the country, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)

27 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondent
Women offer prayers at River Saryu on ‘Ram Navami’, in Ayodhya. Pic/PTI

Lakhs gather at Ayodhya as ‘Surya Tilak’ performed on Ram Lalla idol

The 'Surya Tilak' illuminated Ram Lalla's idol at the grand temple here on Friday on the occasion of Ram Navami, which was marked by religious fervour and drew lakhs of devotees to the holy town. The festival, marking the birth of Lord Ram, falls on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. While most parts of the country celebrated the festival on Thursday, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple observed it on Friday. The Uttar Pradesh government declared a two-day holiday on Thursday and Friday on account of Ram Navami. At around noon, during the auspicious 'Abhijit Muhurat', the Surya Tilak ritual was carried out, with precisely channelled sun rays illuminating the deity's forehead for about nine minutes through a specially aligned system of lenses, a temple trust member said. Fourteen priests conducted the rituals inside the sanctum sanctorum in accordance with Vedic traditions. Following the ceremony, the temple doors were briefly closed and 'bhog' comprising 56 dishes was offered to the deity. Officials said this was the second Surya Tilak ceremony since the consecration of the idol. A specially designed mechanism -- featuring around 20 ashtadhatu pipes along with four lenses and four mirrors -- was used to direct sunlight onto the deity's forehead from a height of nearly 65 feet. Ram temple trust member Anil Mishra told PTI that the Surya Tilak ceremony remained the central attraction, with sun rays illuminating the idol's forehead at noon. He said big screens were installed across the city to broadcast the rituals and associated ceremonies for devotees. Earlier in the day, the deity was adorned in yellow garments, and the morning 'aarti' was performed at around 5.30 am. Authorities estimated that around 10 lakh devotees visited the temple on the occasion, with heavy footfall reported across the complex and adjoining routes, including Ram Path, Bhakti Path and Janmabhoomi Path. The festival was celebrated peacefully under stringent security arrangements, officials said. Senior police officers said the city was divided into multiple security zones and sectors, with personnel from paramilitary forces, Pradeshik Armed Constabulary and civil police deployed at key locations, they said. Water police, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Fund teams kept vigil along the Saryu River.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

27 March,2026 06:32 PM IST | Ayodhya | PTI
Indian Navy concludes harbour training. (Pic/Special arrangement)

Indian Navy concludes IOS SAGAR harbour phase in Kochi

The Indian Navy on Friday successfully concluded the Harbour Training Phase of its IOS SAGAR initiative at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As per the official statement, the two-week intensive training programme brought together personnel from 16 friendly countries, reinforcing India’s commitment to collaborative security and capacity building in a region facing increasingly complex maritime challenges. The intensive training programme includes piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, natural disasters, and the need to secure vital sea lines of communication. During the harbour phase, multinational crews underwent comprehensive training across premier Indian Navy institutions. The curriculum covered key operational areas such as seamanship, navigation, communication procedures, safety at sea, firefighting, and damage control. Specialised modules, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and advanced bridgemanship, were also conducted. Highlights of the programme A major highlight of the programme was the use of advanced simulators and modern training infrastructure, allowing participants to engage in realistic, scenario-based exercises. This approach enhanced decision-making skills and operational readiness while ensuring a balance between theoretical learning and practical application. Training conducted under the aegis of the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) enabled participating personnel to familiarise themselves with Indian Navy procedures and best practices. The Indian Naval Workup Team also carried out focused sea training modules aimed at improving coordination and interoperability among the participating nations. Officials said the IOS SAGAR initiative reflects the vision of “One Ocean, One Mission”, with participants demonstrating strong professionalism, teamwork, and camaraderie. The programme also facilitated the exchange of operational experiences and best practices, helping build mutual trust among partner navies. Following the successful completion of the harbour phase, the initiative will now move into its operational deployment stage. This next phase will include joint exercises at sea and port engagements across the region. The initiative aligns with India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision and reinforces the Indian Navy’s position as a key maritime training partner in the IOR. Through such collaborative efforts, the Navy aims to promote a secure, stable, and cooperative maritime environment in the region.

27 March,2026 06:16 PM IST | Kochi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI

PNG users can now surrender LPG connection online, no dealer visit required

Consumers who have shifted to piped natural gas can now surrender their LPG connections from home without visiting a distributor, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal announced on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced a new digital platform, MyPNG-D Portal, enabling users to complete the surrender process online using their registered mobile number or LPG ID. Easy Process Aimed at Consumer Convenience Sharing the update on social media, Mittal said the initiative removes the need for physical visits to LPG dealerships, making the process faster and more convenient, reported IANS. Consumers can now initiate and complete the surrender process from home, significantly reducing paperwork and time. The move is part of the government’s broader push towards digital services and ease of access. Encouraging Shift to Cleaner Energy The initiative is designed to support households that have already transitioned to piped natural gas, a cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel. By surrendering unused LPG connections, consumers can help improve availability for families that still rely on LPG. The government aims to optimise distribution and ensure that resources are directed towards those who need them the most. Strong Initial Response from Citizens According to the Ministry, the response to the platform has been encouraging. Within just one day of the portal’s launch, 1,797 consumers voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections, reported IANS. Mittal thanked citizens for their participation and urged more users to follow suit, highlighting the collective impact of such actions on improving energy access, reported IANS. Boost to Equitable LPG Distribution Officials believe that the initiative will play a key role in strengthening the distribution network by freeing up LPG connections for underserved households. This is particularly significant for regions where access to cleaner cooking fuel remains limited. The move aligns with the government’s long-term strategy of promoting cleaner energy alternatives while ensuring equitable access to essential resources across the country. (With inputs from IANS)

27 March,2026 05:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Clash over flag, firecrackers leads to arrests in Jharkhand. Representational Image

Twenty people held after clash during Ram Navami procession in Jharkhand

A clash between two groups during a Ram Navami procession in Jharkhand’s Garwah district led to the arrest of 20 people on Friday, officials said, reported PTI. The incident took place on Thursday night near the Kauwakho Shiv Chaturtra area. According to officials, a dispute began when one group objected to the hoisting of a religious flag and bursting of firecrackers during Mahashtami celebrations. What started as a minor disagreement quickly turned violent, with both sides pelting stones at each other. Police tried to calm the situation but had to use mild force to disperse the crowd. Several people, including police personnel, were injured in the clash. Sub-Divisional Officer Rudra Pratap said, “based on CCTV footage, police have identified the miscreants, including those leading the mob involved in stone-pelting, and arrested 20 people.” He added that more police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order, reported the news agency. Senior officers, including Palamu DIG Kishore Kaushal and SP Aman Kumar, visited the spot and are closely monitoring the situation.  Officials said the situation in Garwah is now under control, with additional forces deployed to prevent any further trouble. Authorities remain on alert as processions continue across the state. Devotees celebrate across the state Despite the incident, Ram Navami celebrations continued across Jharkhand, with large numbers of devotees visiting temples from early morning. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with his wife Kalpana Soren, offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janaki Tapovan Temple in Ranchi. "Celebrating Ram Navami is a great joy for all. This grand celebration would not have been possible without the people's support and cooperation," he said. "The respect and reverence for Lord Ram, along with the sacrifice and penance of Lord Hanuman, will surely remain enshrined in our hearts and in the atmosphere for ages to come," he added as reported by the news agency. He also highlighted ongoing beautification work at the Tapovan site and expressed hope that it would be completed soon. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also extended greetings, wishing peace, happiness, and prosperity to all.In a post on X, Gangwar said, "May the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram: truth, righteousness, sacrifice, and propriety forever illuminate the lives of all. I wish this auspicious festival brings happiness, peace and prosperity to all." “भए प्रगट कृपाला दीनदयाला कौसल्या हितकारी।हरषित महतारी मुनि मनहारी अद्भुत रूप बिचारी॥”मर्यादा, सत्य और धर्म के प्रतीक प्रभु श्रीराम के अवतरण दिवस रामनवमी की समस्त देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। 🙏🚩जय श्री राम! 🚩 pic.twitter.com/MPqoFF7GH6 — Santosh Gangwar (@santoshgangwar) March 27, 2026 Authorities have stepped up security across the district ahead of Ram Navami immersion processions, which are expected to be taken out by several akhara committees later in the day as per PTI. Across Jharkhand, surveillance has been increased with the use of drones, CCTV cameras, and quick response teams. Officials said special attention is being given to sensitive areas like Hazaribag and Jamshedpur where processions will be held on Saturday instead of Friday. (With PTI Inputs)

27 March,2026 03:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shankracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. PIC/ X

Allahabad HC bail to Shankracharya challenged in Supreme Court by informant

Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who filed the complaint that led to an FIR against Shankracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a POCSO case involving alleged sexual assault of two child devotees (bhakts), has now approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Allahabad High Court's decision to grant Saraswati anticipatory bail. The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday, March 25, granted anticipatory bail to Saraswati in the POCSO case, citing a delay in filing the complaint by the informant and inconsistencies in the statements of the alleged victims. The High Court observed that the informant, who claimed to be the victims’ guardian, learned about the incident on January 18, 2026, but reported it to the police six days later, citing involvement in “pooja/yagya.” In his plea against the pre-arrest relief to Saraswati, the informant has argued that the High Court's decision is erroneous, as it delved into the facts of the case while granting anticipatory bail to the accused, the news agency reported.  According to the informant’s counsel, the High Court effectively held a mini-trial in deciding to grant relief to Saraswati. The plea further contends that in cases involving such heinous offences, the general principle followed is not to grant relief at an anticipatory stage. The informant also claimed that he was not given sufficient opportunity to represent himself before the High Court. Additionally, the plea seeks cancellation of Saraswati's anticipatory bail on the grounds that, despite the High Court’s direction restricting parties in the case from giving media interviews, the accused spoke to the media immediately after obtaining relief, claiming that the case against him is false and politically motivated.  The plea also flagged the accused’s conduct in making public speeches, attending rallies, and participating in religious yatras immediately after receiving relief from the High Court. The petition argues that such conduct by the accused creates a perception of threat and fear among the alleged victims. The plea has been filed through Advocate Saurab A. Gupta. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

27 March,2026 03:19 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Pic/PTI

Fuel prices to remain unchanged despite excise cut, says Government

The Centre on Friday clarified that retail prices of petrol and diesel will remain unchanged despite the recent excise duty cut, as the reduction is intended to offset losses incurred by public sector oil marketing companies rather than provide direct relief at fuel stations, reported news agency IANS. According to the Ministry of Petroleum, the excise duty cut of Rs 10 per litre on both petrol and diesel is being used to reduce the financial burden on state-run fuel retailers, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, reported IANS. Oil Firms Facing Massive Under-Recoveries The government stated that these companies have been supplying fuel at prices significantly below their cost due to the sharp rise in global crude oil prices. Current estimates indicate under-recoveries of approximately Rs 26 per litre on petrol and as high as Rs 81.90 per litre on diesel, reported IANS. Combined daily losses for oil marketing companies are estimated at around Rs 2,400 crore. The excise reduction helps offset about Rs 10 per litre of these losses, enabling companies to continue uninterrupted supply without increasing retail prices. Global Price Surge Drives Policy Decision The move comes amid a steep rise in international crude oil prices, which have surged from about USD 70 per barrel to nearly USD 122 per barrel in the past month. The increase has been driven by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The government highlighted that fuel prices have risen sharply across global markets, with increases ranging between 20 and 50 per cent in various regions including Asia, North America, and Europe. In contrast, India has maintained stable retail prices, absorbing the fiscal impact. Government Prioritises Consumer Protection Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to shielding citizens from global price volatility. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has chosen to absorb a significant hit to its tax revenues in order to support oil companies and maintain price stability for consumers. Export Levy Introduced to Ensure Domestic Supply Alongside the excise duty cut, the government has imposed an export levy on diesel to discourage excessive exports at a time of high international prices. The measure is aimed at ensuring that domestic demand is prioritised and fuel availability remains stable across the country. Officials emphasised that maintaining adequate fuel supply within India takes precedence over export opportunities, even as global markets offer higher returns, reported IANS. Government to Monitor Evolving Energy Situation The Centre reiterated that it will continue to closely monitor global energy developments and take necessary steps to ensure supply stability and price protection for Indian consumers, reported IANS. With international markets remaining volatile, the government’s approach signals a balancing act between supporting public sector oil companies and protecting consumers from sudden price hikes. (With inputs from IANS)

27 March,2026 03:11 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Notes were exchanged on March 24 between the two countries. Representational Pic

Japan pledges Rs 16,420 crore development assistance loan for India

The Government of Japan has pledged an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of JPY 275.858 billion (around Rs 16,420 crore) to fund four major projects in India, spanning urban transport, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. According to ANI, these projects are to be implemented in the states of Punjab, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, according to an official release by the Ministry of Finance. The Notes were exchanged on March 24 between Alok Tiwari, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Keiichi Ono, the ambassador of Japan to India. Key infrastructure and development projects to be backed by Japan The projects include: - Bengaluru Metro Rail Project (Phase 3) (I) – JPY 102.480 billion - Mumbai Metro Line 11 Project (I) – JPY 92.400 billion - Project for Strengthening Tertiary Healthcare Delivery, Medical Education System & Nursing Education System in Maharashtra (I) – JPY 62.294 billion Project for Promoting Sustainable Horticulture in Punjab – JPY 18.684 billion As per the news agency, loan agreements have also been signed between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). About the Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 According to the release, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project (Phase 3) (I) aims to address increasing traffic demand in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region by expanding the mass rapid transportation system. The project is expected to promote regional economic development, improve the urban environment, and mitigate climate change by relieving traffic congestion and reducing pollution caused by the growing number of motor vehicles. Mumbai Metro expansion Similarly, the Mumbai Metro Line 11 Project (I) seeks to cope with rising traffic demand in Mumbai through mass rapid transport expansion, thereby promoting regional economic development, improving the urban environment, and mitigating climate change by reducing congestion and vehicular pollution. The Project for Strengthening Tertiary Healthcare Delivery, Medical Education System and Nursing Education System in Maharashtra (I) aims to improve access to and the quality of medical care in Maharashtra by strengthening the healthcare system through the construction of tertiary care facilities, hospitals, medical colleges, and nursing schools. This initiative will further contribute to the promotion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. Punjab's horticulture gets a push The Project for Promoting Sustainable Horticulture in Punjab seeks to promote sustainable horticulture and improve farmers’ incomes by diversifying into high-value horticulture crops, developing infrastructure for a stronger value chain, and enhancing capacity development. The project also aims to support environmental conservation and sustainable socio-economic development in Punjab. India and Japan have shared a long and fruitful history of bilateral development cooperation since 1958. Economic cooperation, a key pillar of India-Japan relations, has steadily progressed in recent years, further consolidating and strengthening the strategic and global partnership between the two countries. (With ANI inputs)

27 March,2026 03:07 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
BJP National President Nitin Nabin offers prayers at the 'Mahavir Mandir', in Patna. Pic/PTI

Bihar: Ram Navami celebrations see huge turnout; Nitin Nabin visit Patna temples

Devotees thronged temples across Bihar on the occasion of Ram Navami, offering prayers and celebrating the festival with religious fervour. BJP president Nitin Nabin offered prayers at several temples in state capital Patna, including the famed Mahavir temple. Speaking to reporters, he extended greetings to people across the country and said the values embodied in Lord Ram's life should guide everyone. Recalling his association with the Mahavir temple, Nabin said he has been visiting the shrine since childhood and described it as a major centre of faith. He also paid tribute to his teacher, the late Acharya Kishore Kunal, for his role in developing the shrine. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also extended greetings to the people on the occasion. He said Lord Ram's life symbolises love for humanity, harmony, tolerance, sacrifice and righteousness, and wished people a joyful and peaceful celebration.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

27 March,2026 03:03 PM IST | Patna (Bihar) | PTI
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IndiGo to start Delhi-Colombo flights from March 29 with six weekly services

IndiGo has announced the launch of new direct flights between Delhi and Colombo, further expanding its international network and strengthening connectivity with Sri Lanka. The new service will commence on March 29, 2026, with six flights operating weekly on this route using Airbus A320 aircraft. The move is expected to provide more convenient travel options for passengers while enhancing tourism and trade between the two neighbouring countries. Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Improved Air Connectivity India and Sri Lanka share longstanding historical, cultural, and economic ties. The introduction of direct flights from the national capital is likely to further deepen these relations by facilitating smoother movement of tourists, business travellers, and trade exchanges. With this addition, IndiGo will now operate more than 55 weekly flights to Colombo from five Indian cities - Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi. The airline also maintains connectivity to Jaffna from Chennai and Tiruchirappalli with 10 weekly flights. Expanded Network Reinforces IndiGo’s Regional Presence The new route marks another step in IndiGo’s strategy to expand its footprint in South Asia. The airline continues to position itself as a provider of affordable, reliable, and hassle-free travel experiences, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Flexible Booking and Personalised Travel Options Passengers can book tickets through IndiGo’s official website, mobile application, or authorised travel partners. The airline also offers options to pre-book meals and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, and customise travel with add-ons such as UpFront and Flexi, which provide benefits like preferred seating, complimentary snacks, and flexible cancellation policies. Flight Schedule: Delhi–Colombo Route (Effective March 29, 2026) The Delhi to Colombo flight (6E 1169) will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing at 18:40 and arriving at 22:20. The Colombo to Delhi flight (6E 1170) will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing at 23:20 and arriving at 02:55 the next day. Higher airfares due to any further cost escalation will hit demand: IndiGo amid Middle East conflict Meanwhile, the country's largest airline IndiGo on Tuesday said international flights in the summer schedule will vary depending on the Middle East situation and flagged that demand will be impacted if there is any further rise in costs that will push airfares higher.

27 March,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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