Swanky rides for a greener capital

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From horse carriages to cycle rickshaws to the modern day HoHo buses and the swanky Metro trains, the commuting options for tourists have always evolved with time. Interestingly, there are organisations in Delhi which are now working towards bringing eco-friendly touring options to the city. The eco-friendly personal transporters and group cycle tours are the latest addition in this regard.
The KLM DelhiByCycle project which was introduced earlier this year is one successful example of eco-friendly touring in Delhi. Pieter De Man, GM, Indian sub continent, Air France-KLM, informs that the idea behind starting this activity was a part of their CSR initiative.
He says, “Fifty orange bicycles with KLM branding have been deployed for the tour around the city. These tours are conducted in groups from a minimum of two people to a maximum of eight. It is a unique street experience on two wheels and makes one see, feel and discover Delhi from new perspective. Orange colour symbolises the royal roots of Netherlands; therefore the idea is to offer the traditional Dutch experience of renting cycles to see new places.”
Similarly, Segway launched the eco-friendly personal transporter for touring heritage site. Ankur Bhatia, executive director, Bird Group, says, “The personal transporter is a zero emission battery operated green vehicle, hence it has ample environmental benefits. This is the best way to traverse through heritage sites and also it is an environmentally responsible way to explore your city.”
“We are in talks with ASI and DTDC to deploy Segway Delhi tours at various locations across Delhi. We will be starting the tours at heritage sites like Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb among others. The tour will cover routes around Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate,” he adds.
Delhiites also feel eco-friendly commuting options should be promoted more in the city. Ankit Chopal, amateur photographer says, “Introducing eco-friendly commuting options for tourists is a great idea. We should try to keep pollutants as far as possible from old monuments and heritage sites. It will also help the city look more clean and green.”