Delhi govt launches double-decker buses to tour capital’s landmarks to boost tourism

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 alighting the vehicles.Chief Minister and Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra After the launch, an electric double-decker bus was taken from Rafi Marg to Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya along with other officials of the department.The tourism department will operate the bus on fixed routes connecting major landmarks in central Delhi. The proposed circuit includes the Bharat Mandapam, National War Memorial, New Parliament House, Dilli Haat and other prominent attractions, a senior official said.Evening tours are also being planned and the route has been almost finalized, he said, adding that since the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is closed at 6 pm, the tours will start from the museum and then proceed to other destinations.The double-decker bus can accommodate more than 63 passengers, excluding the driver. The service, targeted at domestic and foreign tourists, is designed to operate from Delhi in Lutyens without problems of overhead wires or low tree canopy, an official said.Ticket prices are fixed at Rs 500 for adults and Rs 300 for children between 6 and 12 years old. A trained tour guide will be on board to educate passengers on the historical and cultural significance of the locations included in the itinerary, officials said.As part of the programme, two double-decker buses are scheduled to be put into operation. The launch marks the revival of a mode once familiar to Delhiites as double-decker buses were earlier operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation as ‘Suvidha’ service before being phased out in 1989 due to the withdrawal of the aging fleet.