Delhi Introduces Electric Double-Decker Buses for a Sustainable Sightseeing Experience, Connecting Tourists with the City’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Delhi is gearing up to reintroduce its famous double-decker buses, offering a fresh and eco-friendly way for tourists to discover the city. These buses, once a signature feature of Delhi’s roads, will now be electric and designed specifically to provide a unique sightseeing experience. This initiative is a part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and provide a more sustainable transportation option for visitors.

Manufactured by Ashok Leyland as part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the electric buses have been handed over to the tourism department by the transport department. Initially stationed at the Okhla depot, the buses are now set to take tourists on a scenic journey through Delhi, visiting some of the city’s most significant and well-loved attractions.

A Scenic Journey Through Delhi’s Historic Landmarks

The electric double-decker buses will embark on a tour starting from the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Minister’s Museum), and continue to several of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. The planned route will include popular destinations such as the National War Memorial, Bharat Mandapam, the newly constructed Parliament complex, and the vibrant Dilli Haat market. The route has been carefully selected to offer tourists a blend of Delhi’s rich history, cultural significance, and modern landmarks.

The buses will operate primarily in the evenings, allowing tourists to witness the beauty of Delhi’s monuments illuminated by night. The route has been designed with a focus on comfort and accessibility, offering a relaxed and scenic journey around some of Delhi’s most popular tourist spots.

For a more immersive experience, the buses will be equipped with a guide, providing detailed information about each landmark along the way. With a capacity of over 63 passengers, these buses will offer an ideal way for large groups to enjoy the city together, while getting a unique view from the upper deck.

Eco-Friendly Sightseeing: A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism

One of the most exciting features of these new double-decker buses is their electric design, marking a significant shift towards greener tourism in Delhi. The move to electric buses will help reduce the environmental impact of sightseeing in the city, aligning with Delhi’s broader goals of reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.

The electric buses are perfectly suited to navigate the streets of Lutyens’ Delhi, where the roads are wide and free from low-hanging branches or overhead wires that might obstruct the passage of traditional double-decker buses. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted ride for tourists, providing them with a comfortable and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s famous attractions.

By opting for electric buses, Delhi is taking a step toward making tourism more sustainable. These buses will not only provide visitors with a greener way to explore the city, but they will also help reduce traffic congestion by offering a larger capacity compared to traditional vehicles, which is essential for a city as densely populated as Delhi.

Engaging and Informative Guided Tours

Each double-decker bus will be staffed with a knowledgeable guide, who will offer insightful commentary on the historical and cultural significance of the landmarks along the route. From the memorials of India’s fallen heroes to the architectural beauty of the new Parliament complex, the guides will enhance the tourists’ experience, helping them connect with the history and culture of India’s capital.

The pricing for these bus tours has been made affordable to ensure accessibility for a wide range of visitors. Tickets will cost Rs 500 for adults and Rs 300 for children aged 6 to 12. Tours will begin at the Prime Minister’s Museum and will continue to other nearby attractions. With evening timings, the tours will offer a peaceful and enjoyable way to see Delhi’s beauty after sunset, when the monuments are beautifully lit up against the night sky.

A Vision for Expanding Delhi’s Tourist Offerings

The introduction of the double-decker buses is just the beginning of Delhi’s effort to develop its tourism infrastructure. The tourism department has plans to create a comprehensive tourist circuit that will include not only the sites along the new bus route but also other important landmarks such as Kartavya Path and the new Parliament complex. This circuit will provide a holistic experience, giving tourists an opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of Delhi — from its rich historical past to its modern-day developments.

In addition to the new double-decker service, the tourism department is also exploring the revival of the ‘hop on-hop off’ (Ho-Ho) bus service, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Ho-Ho service was popular before the pandemic, the feasibility of this model is currently being assessed due to the city’s notorious traffic issues. In contrast to cities abroad, where such buses run efficiently, Delhi’s heavy traffic makes it difficult to offer a reliable service on a regular basis.

A Nostalgic Return to the Double-Decker Bus Tradition

For many residents and visitors, the double-decker bus is a symbol of nostalgia. These buses were once a familiar sight on Delhi’s streets, operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) under the ‘Suvidha’ service. However, due to the ageing fleet and maintenance issues, they were phased out in 1989. Now, with the electric buses returning to the roads, Delhi is not only reviving a beloved tradition but also combining it with modern technology to create an experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

This return of the double-decker buses signals a shift in Delhi’s tourism landscape, where eco-friendly and innovative solutions are becoming a central part of the city’s offerings. The introduction of electric double-decker buses will provide tourists with a fun, comfortable, and informative way to experience the capital’s most iconic attractions.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Delhi Tourism

The reintroduction of double-decker buses to Delhi’s streets offers tourists a new, exciting, and environmentally friendly way to explore the city. The electric buses provide a sustainable alternative to traditional sightseeing vehicles, while also offering a unique and elevated perspective of the city’s landmarks. With carefully planned routes, guided tours, and an affordable price point, the double-decker buses are set to become a must-do attraction for anyone visiting Delhi.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance the city’s tourism sector, combining modern, sustainable technology with Delhi’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, these double-decker buses promise an unforgettable way to experience the capital’s iconic sites.

The post Delhi Introduces Electric Double-Decker Buses for a Sustainable Sightseeing Experience, Connecting Tourists with the City’s Rich Cultural Heritage appeared first on Travel and Tour World