New Delhi
oi-Prakash KL
Delhi residents and tourists will once again be able to get a view of the national capital from the sky, with tethered hot air balloon rides set to return at Baansera Park in Sarai Kale Khan from November 14.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is bringing back the attraction after suspending the service in March due to the onset of summer. The rides were first introduced at Baansera last November.
Delhi’s Baansera Park is relaunching tethered hot air balloon rides on November 14, operated by the DDA with Air Safari India, offering 100-150 feet high views with expected lower fares around ₹2,000 and special discounts.
Unlike a free-flying balloon, the attraction will remain anchored to the ground, allowing visitors to rise to around 100-150 feet before returning to the launch point. Each ride will take roughly 7 to 12 minutes and can accommodate up to four people.
A private operator involved in the project said the weather during the winter months is considered suitable for balloon rides. However, flights will continue to depend on weather conditions and any instructions issued by the authorities.
Tickets likely to be cheaper
The operator is expected to lower ticket prices this season in an attempt to attract more visitors. The ride was priced at around ₹2,300 per person when it was launched last year, while the revised fare is likely to be around ₹2,000.
Special offers are also being considered. Students could get tickets for about ₹1,500, while families and individual visitors may receive discounts of up to 20 per cent. Separate concessions are also likely for school and corporate groups.
The move comes after the attraction saw limited footfall during its initial run. By December last year, weekday operations had been restricted, with only a handful of visitors turning up on some days.
Online bookings planned
The DDA is working with private operator Air Safari India to operate the balloon rides. An online booking facility is also being planned for visitors.
The operator has obtained the necessary approvals, including a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) licence to conduct tethered balloon rides up to a height of 150 feet. Trial flights will be conducted before the service is opened to the public.
The attraction will initially operate with one balloon. A second balloon could be introduced later if visitor demand increases.
Expansion plans on hold
The balloon ride project is part of the DDA’s wider plan to develop recreational and eco-tourism attractions along the Yamuna floodplains.
The authority had earlier identified four locations for the activity – Asita East Park, Baansera Park, the Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar and the Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex. However, expansion beyond Baansera is currently on hold.
The response to the winter relaunch at Baansera is expected to determine whether the attraction can generate steady visitor interest. Organisers are banking on lower fares, group bookings and the winter tourist season to improve footfall this time.
