Delhi's Tourism Gets a Modern Makeover: DEVI Buses to Replace HOHO, New Heritage Circuit Announced

In a fresh push to revive tourism in the national capital, the Delhi government is all set to replace the iconic 'Hop On Hop Off' (HOHO) buses with the newly launched and upgraded 'DEVI' bus service. These modern electric buses will offer a more immersive, eco-friendly, and culturally rich Delhi Darshan experience, with the new circuit expected to be operational around August 15. The initiative is being spearheaded in collaboration with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Tourism Ministry.

According to government sources, the DEVI service is being launched to rejuvenate tourism post-Covid and will combine heritage, environment, and technology in a single offering. Each DEVI bus will have a trained guide on board to narrate the history and significance of every site, offering both Indian and foreign tourists an enriched travel experience.

The new circuit will include Delhi’s major historical landmarks like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Path of Duty (Kartavya Path), the Prime Minister's Memorial, War Memorial, and Lotus Temple. Initially, 2 to 3 electric buses—each 9 meters long with a seating capacity of 32 passengers—will be deployed. The rides will be silent and smooth, thanks to the electric-powered engines, making them both environmentally sustainable and tourist-friendly.

Ticket prices are expected to be set at ₹300 for children and ₹500 for adults, with the fare model either on a per-day basis or through a revenue-sharing mechanism. This move is also aimed at boosting the revenue of the Delhi Tourism Department.

Alongside this tourism initiative, the Delhi government also held a key meeting to address the issue of stray animals in the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra, emphasized the need to treat the issue not just as an administrative challenge but as a social responsibility. She urged officials to include insights from animal lovers, social organizations, and experts while drafting policy solutions.