Friday, August 1, 2025
In an exciting new initiative, the Delhi government is set to roll out a full-day air-conditioned electric bus tour of the city’s most prominent tourist attractions, launching on or before August 15, 2025. The service, driven by a collaboration between the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), promises to offer a modern and eco-friendly alternative to traditional city tours.
Tour Overview and Launch Timeline
The initiative will kick off with a pilot phase featuring three to four nine-meter electric buses, known as “DEVI” buses, each capable of accommodating around 30 passengers. The tour will begin and end at the Delhi Tourism office on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, providing a central starting point for visitors. The planned route will include stops at key historical landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Kartavya Path, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Minister’s Museum), National War Memorial, and the Lotus Temple.
Originally proposed before the G20 Summit, this project has evolved into a more comprehensive full-day sightseeing experience, showcasing Delhi’s rich cultural heritage and landmarks in a sustainable manner.
Ticketing Structure and Experience Enhancement
To keep the experience accessible, ticket prices will be set at INR 500 for adults, and INR 300 for children aged six to twelve, while children under six can join the tour for free. At each major stop, the buses will pause for at least one hour, giving tourists the opportunity to explore the landmarks on foot. A trained guide will accompany passengers throughout the tour, providing valuable insights, while an audio system with multilingual commentary (available in Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and other languages) will enhance the experience for a diverse range of visitors.
Growth Potential and Expansion Plans
Passenger feedback from the initial tour operations will play a critical role in shaping future plans. Based on the popularity and demand, DTTDC intends to expand the service by increasing the fleet size, adding more routes, and even introducing new thematic circuits covering other areas of Delhi. In line with the city’s branding efforts, the buses will also feature unique external designs to further promote Delhi as a vibrant tourist destination.
Sustainability and the Shift to Eco-friendly Transportation
This new initiative is in line with Delhi’s ongoing efforts to promote green, sustainable transportation. As of mid-2025, Delhi’s fleet includes over 1,700 electric buses, with plans to increase this number to 2,080 by the end of the year, making DTC’s fleet the largest of its kind in India. This new electric bus tour is an extension of the DEVI program, which already offers electric buses for regular transport. By offering eco-friendly transportation for tourists, this initiative contributes to the broader environmental vision for the city.
Benefits of the Electric Bus Tour Service
- Convenient Accessibility: With the central starting point at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, the tour is easily accessible via public transport, making it a convenient option for both local and international tourists.
- Comfortable and Secure: Passengers will enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned buses even during Delhi’s hot summers. The buses are also equipped with CCTV and emergency features for added safety.
- Cultural Exposure: The carefully curated route includes Delhi’s most iconic monuments and heritage sites, providing tourists with a holistic cultural experience in one seamless journey.
- Multilingual Inclusivity: The multilingual audio commentary system ensures that tourists from all over the world can enjoy the tour in their preferred language, enhancing the cultural immersion.
Looking Toward the Future
Should the initial phase of the service prove successful, DTTDC and DTC officials have hinted at further expansions, with the possibility of introducing circuits that explore specific themes such as Delhi’s marketplaces, museums, culinary offerings, and heritage sites. The initiative aligns with Delhi’s goal of transforming into a smart, sustainable travel destination by the end of the decade, with electric transport playing a significant role in this vision.
By launching this air-conditioned electric bus tour, Delhi is set to offer tourists an environmentally conscious, comfortable, and informative way to explore the city, further solidifying its position as a premier global tourist hub.
