According to sources, the new tourist bus service is likely to start on or before August 15. (File Photo)The Delhi Government has initiated a project to revive its local tourist bus service by launching a full-day tour on AC e-buses on select routes covering major spots such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Kartavya Path, Prime Ministers’ Museum, National War Memorial, and Lotus Temple.The proposal was approved during a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) board meeting held recently, said a senior officer with the tourism department.Under the plan, the tourism department will hire 9-metre-long DEVI buses from the DTC that can accommodate around 30 passengers, and each bus will have a tourist guide to provide information on the historical significance of the sites to the tourists.“There are also plans to provide an audio translation system or headset in-built with multiple languages to the tourists, so that they can understand what the guide is saying. If a tourist from Tamil Nadu does not understand Hindi, the person will have an option to understand what is being said in Tamil,” the officer explained.According to the tourism department, it will operate the service on a pilot basis with 3-4 buses and will increase the bus services on this circuit based on the success. There are also plans to bring more places under the circuit and also create more tourist circuits, said an officer.“We are planning to upgrade the designs of the bus by changing the body wrap to attract more tourists,” the officer added.According to sources, the new tourist bus service is likely to start on or before August 15.Story continues below this adThe department said that discussions on fare charges are underway. “The fare model—whether it will be based on a daily rate or a revenue-sharing model—is still under consideration. The ticket prices are likely to be set at Rs 500 for adults and Rs 300 for children aged between 6 and 12. People can book these buses and enjoy a whole-day tour. Each bus will stop at every location for an hour or more,” said the officer.Earlier, the government had operated HoHo bus services, also called the Hop-on Hop-off bus service, that offered tourists a chance for Delhi sightseeing or ‘Dilli Darshan’. The service was, however, discontinued during the Covid-19 period.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:delhi