Low turnout for hot air balloon rides prompts operators to plan online ticketing in Delhi

New Delhi: Faced with a tepid public response to the recently introduced hot air balloon rides in the capital, the private operators are now considering the introduction of an online ticket booking system in an effort to attract more customers and improve visibility.

The tethered balloon rides, which were opened to the public on November 29 at Baansera Park near Sarai Kale Khan, have so far failed to draw large crowds. According to the organisers, most of the tickets sold have been to visitors who were already at the park, rather than people arriving specifically for the experience.

“Since the launch, we have been operating only for about one to two hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The response has been quite slow,” said Mukesh Yadav, associate vice-president of Rajas Aerosports and Adventures, the firm running the rides. He added that an online ticketing platform would soon be introduced to make bookings easier and generate greater awareness.

The initiative, launched by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), was aimed at adding a new recreational attraction to the city. However, queries sent to the DDA regarding the muted response did not elicit any reply.

The organisers said the rides have been conducted on just three weekends so far, between 4 pm and 6 pm. On average, around 20 tickets were sold each weekend. In a bid to boost demand, the ticket price has been reduced from the initially proposed Rs 3,000 to Rs 2,300 per person.

Each ride lasts between seven and 12 minutes and can accommodate up to four passengers. The balloons operate until the last light of the day, which currently is around 6 pm, Yadav said.

Earlier in July, the DDA had finalised a private agency to operate hot air balloon rides at four locations, including the Yamuna Sports Complex, the Commonwealth Games sports complex, and two sites along the Yamuna at Asita and Baansera. However, plans to expand beyond Baansera have been put on hold until the pilot project proves successful. The peak season for ballooning in north India typically runs from November to February, when weather conditions are considered most favourable.

(with inputs from agencies)