Delhi is set to introduce hot air balloon rides for the first time, with trials successfully completed at Baansera Park on Tuesday. The rides will open to the public from Saturday, marking a new chapter in the city’s adventure tourism.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced that the service will be run by a licensed operator and will follow strict safety standards. Saxena himself joined the trial run and said the experience would offer Delhi residents a unique view of the Yamuna floodplains. “Each flight will last between seven and 12 minutes, taking visitors up to 100-150 feet," Saxena said.
Although morning and evening sessions of two and a half hours each are planned, the service will initially run only once a day, he added. "Based on the feedback and response, we will extend the hours and introduce the facility at other places."
Balloon rides are part of a broader plan to develop the Yamuna riverfront into a vibrant recreational zone. Officials said the service will soon expand to Asita, Yamuna Sports Complex, and CWG Village Sports Complex, giving more people access to the activity.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been working to activate the floodplains with low-impact, eco-friendly attractions. Cycling tracks, nature trails, and boating facilities have already been set up in certain stretches. The addition of balloon rides is expected to draw more visitors and increase interest in the redeveloped riverfront.
Calling it a major step toward improving the city’s leisure infrastructure, the L-G said the new activity would help make Delhi “a vibrant city with enhanced recreational amenities and world-class infrastructure.”
Baansera Park, spread over 10 hectares, is a bamboo-themed space created ahead of the G-20 Summit. It features bamboo varieties from across India, including Assam, and is divided into two zones, the Bamboo Recreation Area and the Bamboo Plantation Area.
Officials said the balloon rides will operate during fixed hours and follow strict weather and safety rules. Details about ticket prices and the daily schedule will be announced soon.
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