If you travel inside India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or any neighboring country, you’ve probably noticed a lot of changes lately. New trains are being launched, airlines are adding routes, and governments are tweaking rules that affect daily commuters. This page pulls together the most useful passenger stories so you can see what matters to you.
Railways remain the backbone of passenger movement in the region. In the past year, India’s Ministry of Railways announced three high‑speed corridors that will cut travel time between major cities. Bangladesh is upgrading its Dhaka‑Chittagong line with newer coaches that offer better seats and air‑conditioning. Pakistan’s Punjab province introduced a smart ticketing app that lets you book seats on intercity trains without standing in line. These improvements aim to make long‑distance trips faster and more comfortable for everyday commuters.
Air travel is bouncing back after the pandemic slump. Major carriers in South Asia are adding low‑cost routes that connect regional hubs like Kolkata, Colombo, and Kathmandu. In India, a new terminal at Bengaluru airport opened last month, offering quicker security checks and more dining options. Sri Lanka’s airline introduced a baggage‑tracking feature that sends a text message when your suitcase reaches the carousel. For frequent flyers, these upgrades mean less hassle and more choices.
Road passengers aren’t left out either. Several Indian states launched express bus services that run on dedicated lanes, cutting travel time between Mumbai and Pune by half. Nepal introduced a GPS‑based bus tracking system in Kathmandu, so commuters can see exactly when the next bus arrives on their phones. These steps help reduce waiting time and make bus rides feel safer.
Safety regulations have also tightened. The Indian government recently mandated that all long‑distance trains install fire‑safety kits and emergency alarms. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority increased inspections for aircraft maintenance, aiming to lower incident rates. Bangladesh’s transport ministry started a campaign to enforce seatbelt use on intercity buses, reporting a noticeable drop in injuries.
Beyond infrastructure, passenger experiences are shaping policy. Social media complaints about overcrowded trains in Delhi spurred a petition that led to the addition of three new coaches on the busiest routes. In Sri Lanka, tourists shared stories about delayed luggage, prompting airlines to upgrade their handling processes.
For travelers who love to stay informed, many regional news sites now offer dedicated passenger sections. South Asian Regional News curates these stories, providing quick reads on the latest policy shifts, service launches, and travel tips. You can browse articles about everything from cheap airline tickets to the best way to book a sleeper berth on a train.
In short, the passenger landscape in South Asia is evolving fast. Whether you ride the rail, fly the sky, or hop on a bus, new services, safety upgrades, and digital tools are making travel smoother. Keep an eye on this page for fresh updates that directly affect how you move around the region.
On August 7, 2020, an Air India Express plane crash landed while attempting to land at the Calicut International Airport in Kerala, India. The plane had been traveling from Dubai with 190 passengers and crew on board. The plane overshot the runway and crashed into a deep gorge, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, including the pilot and co-pilot. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial reports from India's aviation regulator suggest that the plane may have been travelling too fast, and the pilots may not have been familiar with the airport's terrain and runway.
