New Delhi, February 27 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, officially launched the innovative double-decker electric tourist bus service, titled ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’, on Friday from Rafi Marg.

The ticket price for this service is set at Rs 500 plus 5% GST. For children aged between five and ten years, the fare is Rs 300 plus 5% GST, and those under five can ride for free, as confirmed by an official.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this 63-seater bus is equipped with modern facilities, enhanced safety features, and a panoramic upper deck, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey for tourists.

Accompanied by Delhi's Tourism Minister, Kapil Mishra, she inaugurated the double-decker bus, calling it a testament to the government's forward-thinking policies and the effective execution of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

This initiative, launched in partnership with the Hindujа Group, will commence its tourism circuit from Delhi Haat, INA, with daily departures at 9 a.m..

The planned route will include significant landmarks such as Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block, South Block, the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Prime Ministers’ Museum, the National War Memorial, and India Gate, before making its way back to Delhi Haat, INA.

Following the bus's inauguration, the Chief Minister, Tourism Minister, media, and officials took a ride from Rafi Marg, passing through India Gate, Akbar Road, and Teen Murti Marg to the Prime Minister’s Museum.

Tickets for the bus can be purchased online via the official Delhi Tourism website: www.delhitourism.gov.in. Additionally, offline tickets are available at various locations including the Central Reservation Office at Coffee Home on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, opposite Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place; the I-Centre (Delhi Tourism) on Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place; Indira Gandhi International Airport (Domestic Terminal 1); and other specified locations.

The Chief Minister expressed that this initiative marks a pivotal advancement towards positioning Delhi as a modern and globally recognized tourism hub.

Emphasizing Delhi's rich historical legacy, she noted that the city is also establishing a new global identity through modern landmarks like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, the new Parliament Building, Central Vista, and the Prime Minister’s Museum.

The bus service is designed to offer visitors a comprehensive experience combining Delhi’s heritage with its contemporary essence in one journey, reinforcing the Chief Minister's commitment to the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government is dedicated to fostering modern development while preserving the city’s cultural and historical roots.

She added that this zero-emission double-decker e-bus is a stride towards sustainable development, promoting green mobility and clean tourism, in alignment with this vision.

Minister Mishra remarked that the introduction of the electric double-decker bus is not simply about bringing in a new vehicle but is a significant step in cementing Delhi's status on the global tourism landscape.

He pointed out that previous administrations had diminished Delhi's potential by lacking vision and adequate tourism infrastructure, leading to environmental degradation and reducing the city to a mere transit point.

Minister Mishra also stated that Delhi stands out among global cities with over 1,200 monuments, showcasing a rich tapestry of ancient civilization, British-era heritage, and world-class modern infrastructure, providing a unique and integrated experience.