The public activities will officially start from Asita on Saturday at 4:30 PM and mark a new chapter in the capital’s recreational landscape.
The project, which is under development as part of the Yamuna Riverfront Activation initiative, has successfully completed its pilot project in Baansera Park, an emerging green belt near Sarai Kale Khan.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who inspected the test flight, said he was satisfied with the experience and safety readiness. “We reached a height of 30 meters. From a safety point of view, four ropes hold the balloon, each of which can carry seven tons,” he said.
FIRST OF ITS TYPE OF AERIAL EXPERIENCE FOR DELHI
The launch adds a fresh outdoor adventure to a city usually associated with politics, heritage, monuments and urban bustle.
Rising above the greenery of Yamuna’s floodplains, the brightly colored balloon offers a panoramic view of the riverbank, a cinematic, immersive perspective that residents have never experienced before.
Ballooning is a specialized activity that requires trained pilots, ground crew and stable weather. Before each flight, teams go through a mandatory safety checklist: burners, basket, ropes and emergency equipment are inspected; the crew undergoes a breath test; and rides are stopped immediately if wind patterns suddenly change.
TICKET, DURATION AND CAPACITY
- Price: Rs 3,000 + taxes per person
- Ride duration: 7–12 minutes
- Capacity: 4 people per ride
- Flight Type: Tethered (balloon remains tethered to the ground with ropes for controlled altitude and stability)
WHERE THE RIDES WILL WORK
DDA has cleared four locations for the facility:
- Asita (Yamuna riverside) – Open to public this Saturday
- Baansera Park (near Sarai Kale Khan) – Trial completed; public rides soon
- Yamuna Sports Complex
- Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex
These locations have been chosen for their open landscapes, safety feasibility and potential to become leisure centres.
TIMINGS AND OPERATION WINDOW
Tethered flights last four hours a day, depending on the weather and wind. DDA may extend the schedule based on visitor numbers. The months chosen, November to February, are ideal for hot air ballooning in Northern India due to the stable winter air.
BROADER PRESSURE ON VIBRANT DELHI
Calling it an important addition to the lifestyle, the LG said the project reflects Delhi’s attempt to move beyond traditional tourism into a “vibrant city with enhanced recreational facilities”.
Once fully operational at all four locations, the attractions are expected to boost tourism by providing breathtaking aerial views of the city, riverfront and surrounding greenery.
POLITICAL REACTIONS
The launch also sparked political commentary. Congress leader KC Venugopal, in a post on
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