Delhi News: Beat the Heat, Enjoy Dilli Darshan ! Govt Launches Full-Day AC Bus Tour of Capital's Top Sights

The government of Delhi has introduced an air-conditioned full-day e-bus tour, "Dilli Darshan," to help people residing in the capital and tourists visit iconic structures of the capital during the summer season comfortably. The move is expected to generate tourism by providing guided tours of historic and cultural landmarks.

Tour Details and Itinerary

The new "Dilli Darshan" facility, which is set to be launched on or before August 15th, will use 9-meter-long AC e-buses rented from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Each bus will have a seating capacity of about 30 passengers and will be escorted by an expert tourist guide who will offer information about the historical significance of the places. Plans are also being made to launch an audio translation system with several language options to appeal to a wide variety of tourists.

Initially, it will be run on a pilot basis using 3-4 buses and later expanded depending on the public feedback. The circuit covers prominent spots like the Red Fort, the Qutub Minar, Kartavya Path, Prime Ministers' Museum, National War Memorial, and the Lotus Temple. Discussions are underway regarding fare charges, with proposed prices set at ₹500 for adults and ₹300 for children aged 6 to 12. Each stop will allow for an hour or more of exploration.

Improving Tourist Experience

To further enrich the tourist experience, the Delhi government is looking for collaborations in offering integrated services. This will encompass tie-ups with food and beverage vendors at stops and forging partnerships with local artisans to provide genuine Delhi souvenirs. The focus is on making the trip seamless and enriching for all.

Future Plans and Tourism Boost

This new program aims to restart and improve the city's tourism circuit in the wake of the cancellation of the Hop-on Hop-off (HoHo) bus services during the COVID-19 era. The government is also going to remodel the bus designs with special body wraps to further entice tourists. The plan is to bring in more locations into the circuit and establish more theme-based tourist circuits for highlighting Delhi's rich heritage, diverse food street, colorful markets, and museums.