In a recent development, the Delhi government has announced that it will introduce a full‑day air‑conditioned electric bus tour covering the key tourist spots in the city starting on or before August 15, 2025. Operated by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) in collaboration with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the initiative aims to revive guided city sightseeing using modern, sustainable transport.
The service will begin as a pilot with three to four nine-metre “DEVI” buses, each seating approximately 30 passengers. Full length tours will commence from the Delhi Tourism office on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and conclude at the same location. Stops on the route include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Kartavya Path, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Minister’s Museum), National War Memorial and Lotus Temple. The project builds on plans first outlined before the G20 Summit, evolving into a consolidated full‑day tour format.
Tickets are expected to be priced at INR 500 per adult and INR 300 for children aged six to twelve, while children under six travel free. Each bus will pause at every major location for at least one hour to allow tourists to explore on foot. A trained tourist guide will accompany passengers, and an audio translation system will offer commentary in multiple languages, accommodating Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil and others.
Passenger reaction will be measured by tracking first operations. DTTDC intends to increase the fleet, add more routes, and launch circuits other than the original circuit if demand is high. Special external branding will be incorporated into the bus design to enhance Delhi's tourism image.
This project supports Delhi's larger drive for environmentally friendly public transport. With more than 1,700 electric buses in service as of mid-2025 and plans to add 2,080 by the end of the year, DTC will have the largest fleet of electric buses in India. In keeping with previous electric e-bus deployments under the DEVI program, the new AC tourist bus service also serves as a marketing drive for electric transportation in the city.
Accessibility: The central starting point at Baba Kharak Singh Marg is near major public transport hubs.
Comfort and Safety: Air-conditioned coaches ensure comfort even during Delhi’s summer peaks; CCTV and emergency features match those in standard DEVI buses.
Cultural Access: The route covers heritage monuments, cultural hubs, and markets in a single itinerary.
Language Inclusion: Multilingual commentary ensures diverse visitors can follow the guided experience.
If trial projects are successful, Delhi Tourism and DTC officials have hinted that the service might develop into other theme-based circuits, including marketplaces, museums, cuisine, and heritage. Delhi's goal to become a smart and environmentally friendly travel destination by the end of the decade is further supported by the inclusion of an electric car narrative.
(With inputs from various sources.)
