New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off Delhi Tourism’s state-of-the-art double-decker electric tourist bus service, ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’, from Rafi Marg.
The fare for the bus is Rs 500 plus 5 per cent GST. The fare for children aged five to 10 years is Rs 300 plus 5 per cent GST, while children below five years of age may travel free of charge, said an official.
The Chief Minister said the 63-seater bus, fitted with modern amenities, advanced safety systems and a panoramic upper deck, will provide tourists with a comfortable and memorable travel experience.
Flanked by Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, the Chief Minister unveiled the double-decker bus, describing it as an example of the government’s visionary policy and the successful implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Launched by the Delhi Tourism Department in collaboration with the Hindujа Group, the starting point of this special tourism circuit has been designated as Delhi Haat, INA, from where the bus will depart daily at 9 a.m.
The route will cover Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block, the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Prime Ministers’ Museum, the National War Memorial and India Gate, before returning to Delhi Haat, INA.
After the unveiling of the new bus, the Chief Minister, the Tourism Minister, media representatives and officials boarded the bus and travelled from Rafi Marg via India Gate, Akbar Road and Teen Murti Marg to the Prime Minister’s Museum.
Tickets for the bus can be booked online through the official Delhi Tourism website: www.delhitourism.gov.in. Offline tickets are available at the Central Reservation Office, Coffee Home, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, opposite Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place; the I-Centre (Delhi Tourism), Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place; Indira Gandhi International Airport (Domestic Terminal 1); the Transport Office, West Kidwai Nagar, Shri Aurobindo Marg, opposite INA Market; near Delhi Haat (INA); and the Travel Division, Delhi Haat (INA).
The Chief Minister stated that this initiative is a significant step towards establishing Delhi as a modern and world-class tourism destination.
Alongside its rich historical heritage, Delhi is carving out a new global identity through modern landmarks such as Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, the new Parliament Building, the Central Vista and the Prime Minister’s Museum, she said.
The bus service will offer tourists a comprehensive experience of Delhi’s heritage and modernity in a single journey, she said.
According to the Chief Minister, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, the government is equally committed to accelerating modern development while preserving the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
The objective is to ensure that progress and tradition advance together. She further added that the zero-emission double-decker e-bus promotes sustainable development, green mobility and clean tourism, in line with this vision.
Minister Mishra stated that the launch of the electric double-decker bus is not merely the introduction of a vehicle, but a step towards firmly placing Delhi on the global tourism map.
He remarked that under previous governments, a lack of vision and inadequate facilities in the tourism sector, along with environmental neglect, had reduced Delhi to the status of a transit city.
The Tourism Minister also noted that Delhi is among a few cities in the world with more than 1,200 monuments. From ancient civilisation and British-era heritage to world-class modern infrastructure, the city offers a unique and integrated experience.
(IANS)
