Delhi is preparing to reintroduce a sight many older residents remember well — the double-decker bus. But when it rolls out again in 2026, it won’t be part of the city’s everyday traffic. Instead, it will return as a heritage sightseeing experience, aimed squarely at tourists who want to see the capital at a slower, more thoughtful pace.
The upcoming service is part of a broader push to make Delhi easier to explore without rushing from monument to monument. For visitors, it promises something simple and rare: the chance to sit back and watch the city unfold.
A Familiar Sight, With a New Purpose
Double-decker buses once ran on Delhi’s roads decades ago before being phased out. Their comeback taps into nostalgia, but the intent this time is different. These buses are being introduced not as public transport, but as dedicated tourism vehicles, designed to showcase the city’s architectural and historical spine.
The fleet will consist of electric buses, reflecting the government’s push towards cleaner mobility. One of the buses is expected to feature an open-top deck, allowing unobstructed views of landmarks — particularly appealing during winter months and evening rides.
The Route Through the Heart of the City
The heritage circuit is planned around Central Vista and Lutyens’ Delhi, areas that carry much of the city’s political and cultural identity. The route is expected to pass by major landmarks such as:
- Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
- National War Memorial
- Kartavya Path
- The new Parliament building
- Bharat Mandapam
- Dilli Haat
Rather than focusing on quick stops, the route has been designed to tell a connected story — one that moves from colonial-era planning to modern India’s civic spaces.
What the Ride Will Be Like
This is not meant to be just another bus ride. The experience will include onboard commentary, helping passengers understand what they’re seeing — from the significance of monuments to how certain neighbourhoods evolved.
Day tours will focus on architecture and urban design, while evening tours are expected to highlight Delhi’s landmarks after dark, when buildings along the Central Vista are lit up and traffic thins out.
Ticket Prices and Accessibility
The service is expected to be priced with families and tourists in mind. As per early indications, ticket prices are likely to be around:
- ₹500 for adults
- ₹300 for children
The ticket will include the guided experience, making it a straightforward option for travelers who want an overview of the city without the hassle of arranging multiple visits.
Why It Matters
Delhi has always had stories to tell, but seeing them often requires navigating traffic, crowds, and tight schedules. The double-decker heritage bus offers a different way in — one that values observation over urgency.
For tourists, it’s a chance to understand the city as a whole rather than in fragments. For Delhi, it signals a move towards experience-based tourism, where travel is less about ticking boxes and more about absorbing place and history.
When the service launches in 2026, the double-decker may once again become a familiar sight on Delhi’s roads — this time carrying travelers who want to see the city, not rush through it.
