Tourists visiting the national capital will soon have a new way to experience its landmark sites—aboard purple-coloured electric buses featuring iconic images of the city, including the Signature Bridge, Bharat Mandapam, and India Gate.
According to officials, the Delhi government’s tourism department is preparing to launch the evening sightseeing service later this month or by November. The initiative aims to offer a curated experience of the New Delhi area, showcasing the capital’s modern attractions alongside its historic landmarks.
“We are planning to start evening tours from the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya to destinations such as Bharat Mandapam, the National War Memorial, the new Parliament complex, and Dilli Haat,” a senior tourism department official said. “The service is designed for domestic and foreign tourists who wish to explore Delhi’s highlights comfortably within a few hours.”
The department has hired nine-metre-long electric buses from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for the service, aligning with the government’s push for sustainable mobility. The distinctive purple buses will stand out on Delhi’s roads, adorned with artistic depictions of the city’s key monuments.
Since the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya closes by 6 pm, the tours are expected to begin shortly after. Passengers will then be taken on a guided journey through some of the capital’s most prominent sites, many of which are beautifully illuminated after dark.
The fare for the tour is expected to be ₹500 for adults and ₹300 for children aged six to twelve, officials said. A trained guide will accompany each bus, narrating stories, historical facts, and architectural details about the attractions on the route.
The initiative builds on the Delhi government’s larger plan to enhance tourism experiences in the capital. In her budget speech earlier this year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had announced the development of a new tourist circuit covering the War Memorial, Kartavya Path, the Prime Minister Museum, and the new Parliament complex.
Officials said the upcoming service aims to give tourists—particularly international visitors and domestic travellers on short trips—a compact yet informative introduction to the capital. “The goal is to make Delhi’s evenings more experiential and engaging. The circuit combines heritage, culture, and modern architecture,” one officer explained.
The department had also explored the revival of Delhi’s earlier ‘Hop On-Hop Off’ (Ho-Ho) bus service, which was discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ho-Ho model allowed tourists to disembark and rejoin buses at various stops throughout the day. However, officials said the system may not be viable in Delhi’s traffic conditions.
“In global cities, Ho-Ho buses operate at frequent intervals — sometimes every 10 or 15 minutes. That’s difficult to replicate in Delhi, given congestion and road conditions,” the officer noted.
Instead, the tourism department decided to focus on themed and time-bound guided tours, where visitors can cover a curated list of attractions in one trip. Earlier discussions had also considered separate tours for heritage monuments, cultural sites, and marketplaces, each using buses of distinct colours. However, officials said the shopping-focused circuits were dropped due to limited tourist appeal.
“While heritage and cultural tours draw strong interest, visitors are unlikely to explore malls or markets by bus,” an official said. “So, the focus is now on monuments, museums, and landmark public spaces that reflect the city’s evolving identity.”
The new electric buses, featuring enhanced interiors, air-conditioning, and eco-friendly design, will mark a significant addition to Delhi’s tourism infrastructure. Apart from promoting sustainable transport, officials said the move aligns with the government’s objective of making Delhi a 24-hour tourist-friendly city.
The service will also showcase Delhi’s recent urban developments, such as the revamped Kartavya Path, the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, and the Bharat Mandapam, which hosted the G20 Summit earlier this year.
“Delhi has a unique blend of heritage and modernity — from Mughal architecture and colonial-era landmarks to cutting-edge convention spaces,” the official said. “The evening city tour will help visitors see this diversity in a single, comfortable journey.”
Officials added that if the pilot phase is successful, similar routes may be introduced in central and old Delhi, covering heritage sites such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. These routes may possibly use smaller buses for easier access through narrow lanes.
The Delhi Tourism Department is expected to formally announce the start date of the new city tour later this month. Tickets will be available through both online platforms and designated counters at major tourist hubs.
(With inputs from PTI)