Delhi govt launches double-decker bus tour to capital landmarks in bid to boost tourism | India News
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Friday launched a double-decker bus service aimed at boosting tourism in the national capital, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagging off the vehicles.Tourism Minister of Delhi along with Chief Minister Kapil Mishra and other officials of the department, boarded an electric double-decker bus from Rafi Marg to the Prime Minister’s Museum after the launch.The tourism department will operate the bus on a fixed route connecting important landmarks of Central Delhi. The proposed circuit includes Bharat Mandapam, National War Memorial, New Parliament Complex, Delhi Haat and other prominent places, a senior official said.An evening tour is also planned, and the route has been largely finalised, he said, adding that since the Prime Minister’s Museum closes at 6 pm, the tour will start from the museum and then proceed to other destinations.A double decker bus can carry more than 63 passengers besides the driver. An official said that the service is geared towards both domestic and foreign tourists and is designed to operate in Lutyens’ Delhi without issues related to overhead electric wires or low tree canopy.The fare is fixed at Rs 500 for adults and Rs 300 for children aged six to twelve years. A trained guide will be on board to brief passengers on the historical and cultural importance of the places covered during the tour, officials said.Two double decker buses are planned to be introduced as part of the initiative. The launch marks the revival of a format familiar to Delhiites, as the double-decker buses were previously operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation as a ‘convenience’ service before being phased out in 1989 due to the withdrawal of an aging fleet.
