Soon, you may enjoy Turkey-like hot air balloon rides at these two locations in Delhi
Delhi residents may soon experience the thrill of hot-air ballooning, similar to popular rides in Turkey's Cappadocia region, without leaving the city. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has announced plans to introduce recreational
hot-air balloon rides
at two major locations — the
Commonwealth Games Village
near Akshardham and the
Yamuna Sports Complex
in Surajmal Vihar — as part of a new tourism push.
Delhi Hot Air Balloons: Two sites selected for initial launch
Following internal evaluations, DDA has identified the two sports complexes for the pilot phase. A tender has been issued, inviting private firms to run the hot-air balloon services.
'These sites will be offered for operation of hot air ballooning on a revenue-sharing basis. The required area, approximately 60 metres by 60 metres at each site, will be provided to the firm as per mutually agreed timings and days,' the tender issued by DDA stated.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
'Swing is King': Top Trader Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in this Free Session !
TradeWise
Learn More
Undo
Licence terms, advertising rights, and operating hours fixed
According to the plan, firms will be allowed to advertise on the balloons. Each operator will receive a licence for three years, with a possible extension of up to nine years.
'The space will be provided to the firm for undertaking a maximum of four hours of flying per day. However, temporary permission for additional hours may be granted by DDA on a case-to-case basis,' the proposal added.
Live Events
Ticket prices to be operator-driven, but must stay reasonable
While the pricing for the balloon rides will be set by the operator, DDA has directed that ticket costs be kept at an affordable level for the general public.
Leisure tourism to be added to legacy sports infrastructure
The Commonwealth Games Village, located along the Yamuna River and built to house athletes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, spans nearly 100 acres. The Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar was also developed as part of the same event. Both sites are currently used for sports activities and have additional open spaces.
To begin with, four specific locations have been marked at each complex to host the balloon rides, aiming to increase footfall and make better use of the existing infrastructure.
If successful, Delhi could soon offer its own version of the scenic hot-air balloon experiences popular in global tourist hubs.
Ropeway along Yamuna in the works, says DDA
Delhi could soon also get its first urban ropeway system, with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) planning to build the transport line along the Yamuna river. The proposed aerial route is expected to give passengers elevated views of religious sites, riverbanks, and parts of Old Delhi, officials said.
Ropeway to be integrated with Kalindi Aviral project
The ropeway is expected to begin from the Kalindi Aviral site, a riverfront project currently under development along the Yamuna's western bank. Spread over 163 hectares, the Kalindi Aviral corridor covers the stretch from NH-24 to the Barapullah drain. The Baansera park near Sarai Kale Khan, which has already been opened to the public, is part of this larger initiative.
Capacity and technical details under discussion
The proposed ropeway aims to carry up to 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction. According to the initial plan, each gondola will have a capacity of eight to ten people. However, key design elements including the final route alignment, number of stations, and placement of towers are still being finalised.
The ropeway plan is part of a broader effort to improve mobility and promote tourism along the Yamuna, while also adding green and recreational infrastructure.
(Inputs from PTI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov to pass on wealth to over 100 kids he fathered via sperm donation
Credit: X/@PavelDurov In a revelation that has both fascinated and stunned the tech world, Pavel Durov—the elusive founder and CEO of Telegram—has announced plans to leave his entire $13.9 billion fortune to more than 100 children he claims as his own. In an interview with Le Point magazine, the 40-year-old billionaire detailed his unconventional legacy plans, revealing that he is not only the legal father of six children with three women but also the biological father of over 100 more through years of sperm donation. 'I want to specify that I make no difference between my children: there are those who were conceived naturally and those who come from my sperm donations,' Durov told Le Point . 'They are all my children and will all have the same rights.' However, he also made it clear that none of them would access his fortune for the next 30 years. 'I wrote my will very recently. I decided that my children would not have access to my fortune until a period of thirty years has elapsed, starting from today.' This means that his children can only claim their share after June 19, 2055. Credit: X There has long been speculation surrounding Pavel Durov 's romantic relationships, with his name linked to various women over the years, including journalist Daria Bondarenko and Hungarian influencer Diana Bako. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo However, of the six children he legally recognizes, three were born during his relationship with Irina Bolgar. The fact that Pavel Durov fathered 100 children is old news. As per a 2022 report, he had reportedly taken an active role in promoting fertility efforts, offering free IVF treatments to Russian women willing to have his children. According to Business Insider , a spokesperson from the AltraVita IVF Clinic in Moscow confirmed that the fertility initiative is exclusively open to Russian women. The spokesperson added that the treatment, which would normally cost around $5,000, is being fully funded. It appears that Durov is embracing a larger pronatalist philosophy—a movement centered around encouraging higher birth rates to combat global fertility decline. In an old Telegram post, Durov revealed that he had made sperm donations in multiple countries over the years. 'I made sperm donations multiple times, resulting in me fathering over 100 biological kids in a dozen countries,' he wrote. Credit: X Durov added, 'The shortage of healthy sperm has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide, and I'm proud that I did my part to help alleviate it.' He also explained his broader motivation: 'I also want to help destigmatize the whole notion of sperm donation and incentivize more healthy men to do it, so that families struggling to have kids can enjoy more options.' A tech icon with an eccentric image Pavel Durov's name is synonymous with digital privacy, innovation, and a growing cult of personality. Telegram, the messaging app he launched in 2013, now boasts over a billion active users globally. Yet Durov's influence extends beyond his technological ventures. Known for his spartan lifestyle, he told Le Point that he avoids alcohol, coffee, and tea, and begins each day with 300 push-ups followed by 300 squats.
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gold-silver rate today: Gold drops below Rs 1 lakh to Rs 99,960 per 10g; silver plunges Rs 2,000/kg as global investors cut bullion bets
Gold-silver rate today: Gold prices slipped below the Rs 1 lakh-mark, falling Rs 600 to Rs 99,960 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday due to selling by jewellers and stockists in line with weak global cues, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,00,560 per 10 grams in the previous market session. Gold of 99.5 per cent purity dipped Rs 550 to Rs 99,250 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes), compared to Rs 99,800 per 10 grams on Thursday. Silver prices also diminished by Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,05,200 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) on Friday. It had ended at Rs 1,07,200 per kg on Thursday. "Silver slid from recent highs, nearing one-week lows and heading for their first weekly decline in three weeks. It fell below $35.70 per ounce after a sharp rally earlier in the week," said Rahul Kalantri, Vice-President, Commodities at Mehta Equities. The decline came as investors liquidated positions in bullion to cover losses elsewhere amid rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. The Bank of England, in its monetary policy meeting on Thursday, also held rates steady, which limited the gains of precious metals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Što je to umjetna inteligencija o kojoj svi pričaju? Courses AI Undo Kalantri added that intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran and weakness in the rupee are also supporting prices of gold and silver in domestic markets. On the global market, spot gold was trading at $3,353.67, lower by $16.72 per ounce, or 0.5 per cent. Spot silver fell 0.77 per cent to $36.10 per ounce in overseas markets. 'Traders will watch developments on US trade tariffs and Middle East military engagement will drive volatility. Any signs of de-escalation or non-involvement from the US in the Iran-Israel conflict could keep gold under pressure. On the other side, renewed tensions will continue to support prices,' said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Tesla set to open India showrooms in July with Made-in-China EVs
Tesla Inc. is set to open its first showrooms in India in July, people familiar with the discussions said, kicking off formal operations in the world's third-biggest automobile market as the Elon Musk-led firm hunts for growth amid falling sales in Europe and China. The electric vehicle giant's first set of cars have arrived in the country — Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs shipped from Tesla's China factory, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private, as well as documents seen by Bloomberg News. The Model Y is the world's largest selling electric car. Tesla is set to open its first showroom in Mumbai as early as mid July, which will be followed by one in New Delhi, according to the people. It has also imported Supercharger components, car accessories, merchandise and spares from the US, China and the Netherlands, the documents show. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo The debut will end a years-long on-again, off-again saga over Tesla's entry into India - a market Musk has long eyed but held back from entering due to disagreements over tariffs and local manufacturing. The breakthrough in bringing Tesla to India comes after Musk met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US in February. Bloomberg News reported in February that Tesla was set to ship a few thousand cars to a port near Mumbai. Live Events Tesla spokespersons did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on opening of the India showrooms and the preparations underway. Premium Price Five Model Y vehicles have already arrived in Mumbai from Tesla's Shanghai factory, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News. The cars were declared at 2.77 million rupees ($31,988) and attracted more than 2.1 million rupees in import duties — a levy that's consistent with India's 70% tariff on fully-built imported cars under $40,000 plus surcharges, the documents show. The model is expected to go on sale for more than $56,000 before taxes and insurance, though Tesla will determine the final sticker price based on its margin and positioning strategy, according to people familiar with the plans. That compares with an ex-showroom price of $44,990 for the same model in the US, which sells for $37,490 once tax credits are applied. The premium price tag will likely be a major hurdle to Tesla's plans as the automaker will need to convince value-driven consumers to open their wallets. EVs account for just over 5% of new passenger vehicle sales in India, but premium cars still represent less than 2% of the market, data with Indian government's vehicle registration portal show. Beefing Up The company hasn't appointed a new country head following the departure of Prashanth Menon, but is beefing up hiring across charging, retail and policy teams, according to people familiar with the matter. The Model Y imports represent an initial foray into the market and Tesla plans to expand its presence, including offering more models. It's leasing warehouse space in Karnataka, in India's south, and is adding more in Gurugram, outside New Delhi, the people said. Tesla executives from other countries are making weekly visits, the people said, to the Mumbai and New Delhi showrooms, which are in high-profile, luxury business precincts in an effort to attract affluent shoppers.
