By Tanya Chugh
New Delhi [India], July 31 (ANI): The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to introduce hot air balloon rides in the national capital within the next two months, aiming to promote eco-tourism and offer breathtaking aerial views of Delhi’s natural beauty.
The rides will be launched at key locations including the Yamuna Sports Complex, Commonwealth Games Sports Complex, Asita, and Baansera Park. Each day, four hours of flying time will be permitted.
The service will be operated by a private agency under a revenue-sharing model. All ticket revenue will be credited directly to the DDA’s account to ensure transparency and proper record-keeping. The agency will be allotted 3,600 square meters (60×60 meters) of space at each site for setting up and operating the hot air balloons. Operations are expected to begin within two months. The project has been awarded for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension for up to nine years.
The primary locations include Asita (a designated green zone), Baansera Bamboo Park along the Yamuna Riverfront, Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar, and the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex built for the 2010 CWG.
The DDA is also focusing on the broader rejuvenation of the Yamuna River and surrounding areas. The goal is to transform the Yamuna Front into a major tourism and cultural hub.
In addition to balloon rides, a ferry service is being developed on a 4- to 6-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna River between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur to further enhance tourism opportunities in the region. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India and various departments of the Delhi government to advance this initiative.
About The Author
