LG conducts successful trial of hot air balloon

In an effort to promote adventure tourism in the national Capital. Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in the presence of Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Tuesday conducted the successful trial run of the first-ever hot air balloon ride at Baansera. Rides for the public are likely to start shortly, aligned with the ideal ballooning season from November to February.

Conceptualised and implemented under Saxena’s direct supervision, who has been consistently guiding DDA in creating new recreational spaces for the public and driving extensive rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplains, this project underscores DDA’s commitment to enhancing sustainable tourism and enriching public recreational experiences, it said.

Later sharing pics on X, Saxena wrote, “Happy to share that the trials for Delhi’s first ever Hot Air Balloon rides, today at DDA’s Baansera Park on the Yamuna were successful. To be run by a qualified and professional operator, the balloon rides meet the highest standards of safety parameters. This new recreational/adventure activity started by the Delhi Development Authority in the City is another step forward in making Delhi a vibrant city replete with enhanced recreational amenities and world-class infrastructure.

He added that the rides, operated by qualified professionals, “meet the highest safety parameters” and would give residents a unique aerial experience of Delhi’s natural and urban landscape. The DDA will introduce tethered hot air balloon rides at four locations: Baansera, Asita, Yamuna Sports Complex, and the Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex.

Once launched, these rides will offer residents and visitors a unique aerial view of Delhi’s natural landscape, riverfront, and cityscape, significantly augmenting the city’s tourism potential.

Tethered flights will be permitted for four hours daily. However, DDA may extend it as per requirements. The peak season for ballooning in North India, spanning November to February, offers ideal weather conditions, and public rides are set to open soon.

Hot air balloon rides are typically associated with scenic landscapes and tourist destinations rather than bustling urban centres.

The DDA has extensively worked on the Rejuvenation of the River Yamuna, and many projects are being developed on its bank, including Asita, which was once an encroached land and has now been converted into a green, beautiful landscape.

Besides, it has developed Baansera Bamboo Park at Sarai Kale Khan, which was once a C&D waste dumping site. Yamuna Sports Complex, located at Surajmal Vihar, is the biggest sports complex developed by DDA, and the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex was developed for the Commonwealth Games, which was held in the year 2010 in the National Capital.

While a few cities do offer balloon experiences, these are often limited to particular areas with striking natural or historical features and are usually tied to special events or seasonal attractions. The main appeal lies in the panoramic views from above, allowing passengers to take in expansive natural vistas, architectural landmarks, or dramatic geography.