In rural India, where access to healthcare remains limited, millions of individuals struggle to receive specialist medical attention. The distance to the nearest city hospital, coupled with the cost and time involved in making the journey, often makes seeking care an impossible task. But now, a new solution is emerging: artificial intelligence. Through AI, the dream of bringing specialist healthcare to villages is becoming a reality. Not through physical presence, but via powerful algorithms that can provide life-saving diagnoses on a mobile device.
The Divide: A Growing Healthcare Crisis in Rural India
The healthcare landscape in India is a tale of two extremes. Urban centers are home to cutting-edge hospitals, some of which offer world-class medical treatments and attract medical tourists from all over the world. Yet, for the vast majority of India’s population—those living in rural areas—the situation is drastically different. Nearly 70% of India’s population resides in rural regions, but these areas are served by less than 30% of the country’s doctors. This disparity leaves millions without access to necessary care, contributing to a public health crisis of significant proportions.
Chronic conditions that could be easily managed if diagnosed early often go unnoticed until they reach critical stages. Treatable diseases lead to permanent disabilities, and the financial strain of traveling to city hospitals results in families sacrificing their savings. This healthcare gap has existed for decades and seems insurmountable. However, recent technological advancements are providing a glimmer of hope, as AI is being integrated into rural healthcare to help bridge this divide.
Empowering Local Health Workers Through Technology
The key to addressing this issue does not lie in building more hospitals or replacing doctors. Instead, the solution is about empowerment. The current revolution in rural healthcare technology is built on a “force multiplier” model, which seeks to enhance the capacity of the existing network of community health workers. These trusted individuals, already embedded in rural communities, are being equipped with mobile devices and AI diagnostic tools, effectively turning them into the first line of healthcare in their villages.
By leveraging simple and affordable smartphones, these health workers can now access a powerful AI engine that resides in the cloud, providing them with accurate diagnostic insights. The user experience for these AI tools is designed to be simple and intuitive, ensuring that local health workers, even those with limited literacy or technical knowledge, can easily navigate the system. These systems have been developed with a focus on reliability, as their purpose is not just to entertain or inform, but to deliver critical, life-saving diagnostic information directly at the point of care.
Transforming Basic Phones Into Advanced Diagnostic Tools
The true potential of AI in rural healthcare lies in its ability to turn a basic mobile phone into a multi-functional diagnostic tool. For instance, with a low-cost lens attachment, the phone’s camera becomes a retinal scanner, capable of detecting signs of diabetic retinopathy—one of the leading causes of blindness. Health workers can simply capture a photo of a patient’s eye, and the AI, trained on millions of retinal images, can accurately identify signs of the disease. This ability to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy allows health workers to flag patients who need further evaluation, potentially saving their vision and preventing long-term disability.
Similarly, the phone’s microphone can be transformed into a digital stethoscope, enabling health workers to listen for the subtle sounds of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. AI-driven algorithms analyze the sounds of breathing or coughing, identifying acoustic signatures that indicate disease. These tools do not provide a final diagnosis, but they serve as effective screening mechanisms, alerting health workers to high-risk individuals who need follow-up care or testing.
A Financial Lifeline: Reducing the Economic Burden
The financial impact of early and accessible diagnosis is profound, particularly for low-income rural families. A single trip to a city hospital for a specialist consultation can be financially devastating. It involves travel costs, loss of wages for both the patient and a family member, and the high fees for the consultation itself. For many families, this one trip can wipe out their savings. By bringing the diagnostic process to the village, these AI tools help to prevent such a crisis.
By providing access to early-stage diagnostics, the AI tools help to identify who truly needs to make the long and expensive journey to a city hospital and who can be treated locally. For chronic conditions like diabetes, early detection of complications can help avoid much more expensive treatments and hospitalizations down the line. Furthermore, by improving the health of rural populations, these AI tools help create a healthier workforce. The economic benefits of this are clear—improved health leads to higher productivity and reduces the economic strain caused by preventable disabilities.
Addressing the Challenges of Implementation
While the promise of AI-powered healthcare in rural India is clear, several challenges remain in its implementation. One of the foremost barriers is trust. Villagers are accustomed to seeing human doctors, and the concept of a phone making a medical diagnosis can seem foreign and, at times, suspicious. This is where the role of the local health worker becomes crucial. These health workers are not only the ones delivering care but also serve as the trusted intermediaries between the technology and the community. Their role is to guide patients through the process, explain the benefits, and build confidence in the new system.
Another challenge is training. The AI tools must be simple, user-friendly, and intuitive, but local health workers still need to be properly trained to use them effectively. Training ensures that health workers understand the capabilities and limitations of the tools, enabling them to apply them correctly and make informed decisions based on the diagnostic results. This training is essential to ensure that the technology is used appropriately and does not lead to misunderstandings or misuse.
The third challenge is connectivity. Many rural villages in India are located in remote areas where internet access is sparse or non-existent. To address this issue, the AI tools have been designed to function offline. The apps store data and perform necessary computations directly on the device itself, and only when an internet connection is available does the data sync to the cloud for further analysis. This approach ensures that health workers can continue their diagnostic work even in areas with unreliable connectivity, making the technology accessible even in the most isolated parts of the country.
Moving Toward a More Equitable Future
Artificial intelligence may not be a cure-all for India’s rural healthcare crisis, but it has become an essential tool in the effort to bridge the healthcare divide. The AI Vaidya initiative is a groundbreaking model that enables local health workers to access diagnostic tools once reserved for highly trained specialists. By providing access to early-stage diagnostics, these tools are helping to reduce avoidable morbidity and alleviate the financial burden of healthcare for rural families.
This shift is not just about the application of smart algorithms—it is about a paradigm shift in how healthcare is delivered. It represents a vision for the future where healthcare is no longer restricted by geography or access to specialist services. Instead, it becomes a right available to all, regardless of where individuals live. With the introduction of simple, accessible, and powerful technology, healthcare in rural India is taking a monumental step toward becoming more equitable and inclusive.
Online travel booking platform MakeMyTrip has introduced an AI-powered virtual travel agent that can guide users through every step of their journey on the website, from trip planning and booking to handling post-sales queries such as cancellations and refunds, via both voice and text.
Users can ask complex and open-ended queries in the realm of travel in Hindi or English like “Where can I go in August for a relaxing holiday with my kids?,” or “I want to go to south India to cover Madurai, Rameswaram, Kovalam, Kodaikanal. Can you suggest me the best route? But I don’t want to travel via flight”.
The virtual assistant Myra is built on a network of specialised AI agents across all major travel categories, flights, accommodation, holidays, ground transport, visas, and forex. It supports multimodal input (text, voice, image, video), continuous back-and-forth dialogue, itinerary edits, and post-sales support — all within the same interface.
Myra will gives user personalised answers based on up-to-date availability, prices, and relevance. MakeMyTrip claims that while most AI travel tools only offer suggestions to users, this tool goes a step further by helping users move from travel ideas to actually helping travellers book their travel and complete payment online – something that hasn’t been tried before. It will offer assistance not just with flights and hotels but also holiday planning, ground transport such as cabs and buses, visas and forex.
CEO Rajesh Magow said such digital innovations helped “reach the deepest corners, and bringing seamless, intelligent travel booking to those who have long been underserved by digital platforms.”
“MakeMyTrip has seen travel demand penetration grow deeper over the years, from metro to top 15 cities many years ago to now as many as 2,000 unique cities,” he told The Hindu. The portal commands more than 50% market share among all online travel booking portals.
Myra may be able to facilitate bookings for an individual but it lacks the complexities of negotiating, handling customer bargains, accounting for individual preferences for a group bookings like a human travel agent, or helping during a travel emergency.
“Even if AI is able to do 50% of a human tour manager’s work, there will still be room for workforce in other tasks and AI related human intervention,” he added.
The tool is currently available in Hindi and English and will be expanded to include other regional languages too. It is currently available in beta version which will be released to a limited group of real users for testing before the official launch.
Group Chief Technology Officer Sanjay Mohan called the product “the most ambitious build” undertaken by the company.
In the next stage, MakeMyTrip will add smarter search tools that can understand the meaning behind what you’re looking for, even from images and videos. This means one won’t have to rely only on fixed filters and can search in a more intuitive manner. The system will be able to pick up on subtle travel needs, making it easier and more personal to find what you want.
Not every Amtrak route is designed for scenic splendor—most just get you where you need to go. But for those who believe that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, a long-distance train trip offers an unmatched way to see America. From towering peaks to rolling plains, desert canyons to forested coastlines, a train’s window seat can feel like front-row access to the country’s most stunning views.
Last year, Amtrak recorded its highest ridership in history—over 32 million passengers. While many of them were commuting, thousands were traveling simply to see the sights. Whether you’re tucked into a private roomette or lounging in an observation car, certain routes serve up cinematic landscapes that make the miles fly by.
Amtrak Coast Starlight train in San Luis Obispo County, California, USA
Not every Amtrak route is designed for scenic splendor; most just get you where you need to go. But for those who believe that travel is as much about the journey as the destination, a long-distance train trip offers an unmatched way to see America. From towering peaks to rolling plains, desert canyons to forested coastlines, a train’s window seat can feel like front-row access to the country’s most stunning views.
Last year, Amtrak recorded its highest ridership in history with over 32 million passengers. While many of them were commuting, thousands were traveling simply to see the sights. Whether you’re tucked into a private roomette or lounging in an observation car, certain routes serve up cinematic landscapes that make the miles fly by.
So, which routes are the most beautiful? We asked ChatGPT to rank the top five, and while we mostly agree, there are a few snubs worth noting. Let’s dive into the AI’s picks first.
ChatGPT’s Picks – America’s 5 Most Beautiful Train Routes
“Most beautiful” is subjective—but if you combine dramatic scenery, historic significance, and rave reviews from travelers over the decades, these five Amtrak routes rise to the top. According to ChatGPT, these are the most beautiful train rides in America:
1. California Zephyr
Wikimedia Commons
Amtrak train traveling through California desert landscapes in the American West
Often described as the most scenic train route in U.S. rail travel, the California Zephyr takes riders on a two-day adventure through the heart of the American West from Chicago, IL to Emeryville, CA near the San Francisco area. Highlights include the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the red rock canyons of Colorado, and the snowy Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass through the famed Moffat Tunnel and over 30 others as you climb the Continental Divide, delivering dramatic mountain and desert landscapes.
Since its original launch in 1949 by the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (CB&Q), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW), and Western Pacific (WP) railroads, the California Zephyr has been dubbed “the most talked-about train in America.”
2. Empire Builder
Shutterstock
The Empire Builder long-distance Amtrak train
Traveling through the vast northern wilderness frontier, the Empire Builder travels from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River bluffs, the North Dakota plains, and Glacier National Park. The approach to the Cascade Mountains near the end of the route is especially breathtaking.
The route was named for James J. Hill, the “Empire Builder” of the Great Northern Railway, and has been in service (in various forms) since the 1920s.
3. Coast Starlight
Shutterstock
Amtrak Coast Starlight train in California, USA
For those who want ocean views and mountain backdrops, the Coast Starlight delivers both—offering arguably the most diverse coastal scenery of any U.S. train route. Stretching from Seattle, WA, to Los Angeles, CA, the section between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is particularly memorable, as the train hugs the Pacific coastline with almost uninterrupted sea views, running just feet from the ocean cliffs. Along the way, passengers also pass through redwood forests, California wine country, and the dramatic Cascade Range.
The Coast Starlight carries the legacy of the Southern Pacific Railroad, whose pre-Amtrak trains like the Coast Daylight and The Lark defined the golden age of West Coast rail travel. These trains set the standard for elegance and comfort along the Pacific corridor—a tradition the Coast Starlight continues today.
The Southwest Chief route from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA, showcases the painted deserts and red rocks of New Mexico, the dramatic mesas, and the high plains of Kansas and Colorado. It also traces part of historic Route 66. Climbing over Raton Pass and traversing remote stretches of the Southwest, this journey evokes a rugged, cinematic feel and covers one of the most challenging sections of rail in the country.
Its claim to fame? The Chief is a direct descendant of the Santa Fe Railway’s legendary Super Chief—known as the “Train of the Stars” from the 1930s to the 1960s. It was the preferred mode of cross-country travel for Hollywood elites during the golden age of American rail.
5. Adirondack
Courtesy of Amtrak Media Center
Amtrak’s Adirondack Train in Autumn
A very different kind of beauty, the Adirondack—running from New York City to Montreal—is all about lush river valleys, misty mountain ridges, and vibrant fall foliage. Arguably one of America’s most underrated train journeys, it offers a quieter kind of scenic experience that’s intimate and perfect for leaf-peepers in autumn. Travelers are treated to views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and Lake Champlain. Compared to the grand vistas of Western routes, the Adirondack delivers a more tranquil charm, defined by dense forests and winding waterways.
As for its history, the Adirondack became an official Amtrak route in 1974, retracing portions of the Delaware and Hudson Railway’s famous resort lines to the Adirondack Mountains.
Route
Distance
Key Scenery
Duration
California Zephyr
2,438 mi
Rockies, Sierra Nevada, desert canyons
~52 hours
Empire Builder
2,206 mi
Glacier National Park, Cascades
~46 hours
Coast Starlight
1,377 mi
Pacific coast, redwoods, wine country
~35 hours
Southwest Chief
2,265 mi
Painted desert, high plains
~40 hours
Adirondack
381 mi
Hudson Valley, Lake Champlain
~11 hours
All five of these routes definitely deserve their fame. The high-profile stops, paired with awe-inspiring beauty along the tracks themselves, make these true heavyweights in the train travel world. But is ChatGPT really capturing the whole picture?
Here’s What We Think Of AI’s Amtrak Picks
Loco Steve/Flickr
Our top choice? Without question, the California Zephyr. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay, it’s not just the longest Amtrak route—it’s the most visually diverse. With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, red rock canyons of Colorado, open plains, and the snowy Sierra Nevada, the Zephyr delivers a cinematic, coast-to-coast journey that captures the essence of American train travel. For sheer variety and scale, no other route matches its grandeur.
As of 2025, tickets on the California Zephyr start at around $288 for coach and $1,036 for a private room, though prices vary by season and how early you book.
While we mostly agree with ChatGPT’s top five picks, we believe a few scenic stunners were overlooked. Here are seven more routes that deserve recognition—and when added to the original five, round out our list of America’s 12 most beautiful train journeys.
7 More Scenic Routes We Think Deserve Recognition:
Cardinal: Chicago, IL to New York, NY – Crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the New River Gorge—especially stunning in autumn.
Sunset Limited: New Orleans, LA to Los Angeles, CA – From Gulf Coast bayous and sugarcane fields to desert expanses in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Cascades: Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC – Offers forested Pacific Northwest views, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and scenic coastal curves.
Pacific Surfliner: San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA – Hugs Southern California’s coastline—at times just feet from the beach. A favorite for photographers and day-trippers.
Pennsylvanian: Pittsburgh, PA to New York, NY – Passes through Appalachian tunnels, wooded valleys, and small industrial towns full of charm and history.
Vermonter: Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, VT – A fall foliage favorite, with maple groves, covered bridges, and picturesque New England scenery.
Lake Shore Limited: Chicago, IL to New York, NY – Follows Lake Erie and the Mohawk River Valley, combining tranquil waterways with skyline arrivals.
AI may be missing a few under-the-radar gems, but it nailed the spirit of scenic rail travel. The five routes chosen are undisputed icons of American train travel. But beauty is in the eye of the traveler. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on the Pacific coast or admiring fall colors in Vermont, there’s a train route for every kind of dreamer. AI has named America’s most beautiful train routes—and while we mostly agree, we think there’s even more beauty to be found beyond the top five.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the tourism industry in India, with nearly 40% of Gen Z bookings on travel platform Yatra made just 3-5 days prior to a trip. AI helps personalize offers and push relevant options, even for last-minute travel. Digital payments, particularly UPI, are becoming the default, with a 10-12% higher usage in younger cohorts. Platforms are responding to changes in how travel destinations are discovered, with social media influencing destinations and booking behavior. Mobile-driven micro-travel is also on the rise, with travellers looking for quick combinations of stay, transit, and local experiences.
Title: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in India’s Tourism Industry
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the tourism industry in India, significantly impacting travel planning, booking behavior, and payment methods. According to a report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), nearly 40% of Gen Z bookings on travel platform Yatra are made just 3-5 days prior to a trip, facilitated by AI’s ability to personalize offers and push relevant options [1].
AI is not only changing how travel is booked but also how it is paid for. Digital payments, particularly Unified Payments Interface (UPI), are becoming the default method, with a 10-12% higher usage among younger cohorts [2]. This shift is driven by the convenience and security offered by digital payments, which are increasingly preferred over traditional cash or card transactions.
The way travel destinations are discovered is also evolving, with social media playing a pivotal role. Platforms are responding to these changes by integrating AI-driven recommendations and personalized content to influence destinations and booking behavior [3]. This trend is particularly evident among younger travelers who are more likely to discover and book travel options through social media platforms.
Mobile-driven micro-travel is another emerging trend, where travelers look for quick combinations of stay, transit, and local experiences. AI helps in optimizing these experiences by providing real-time recommendations and seamless booking processes [4]. This shift towards mobile-driven micro-travel is driven by the convenience and flexibility it offers, allowing travelers to plan and execute trips quickly and efficiently.
The integration of AI in the tourism industry is also influencing the broader economy. The Indian IT outsourcing industry, valued at $283 billion, is increasingly utilizing AI across various domains, from basic coding to customer support. This shift is leading to job displacement in traditional IT functions while creating new opportunities in AI development and management [5].
However, the impact of AI on employment in the IT sector is complex and varies across companies. While some, like Microsoft, are openly embracing AI-driven restructuring, others, like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), are cautious in attributing job cuts directly to AI advancements [6]. This contrast highlights the need for companies to navigate the delicate balance between technological advancement and workforce management.
In conclusion, AI is significantly transforming India’s tourism industry, influencing travel planning, booking behavior, payment methods, and the discovery of travel destinations. While these changes offer new opportunities and efficiencies, they also pose challenges in terms of employment and workforce management. As AI continues to evolve, companies will need to adapt to these changes and find ways to balance technological advancement with the well-being of their workforce.
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