Amritsar’s double-decker buses hit low gear

GS Paul

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 16

The Punjab Tourism Department’s double-decker buses, which were introduced to attract tourists to the holy city, have received a tepid response. Three double-decker buses under the “Hop-on, Hop-off” service were introduced in December last year to ply on a designated route, covering important spots in the city. The route includes the Attari-Wagah joint check post to witness the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony.

In view of a tepid response, the buses are now offered for private functions. Recently, one of the buses was hired for a marriage function. If officials are to be believed, the move has been taken to meet the exorbitant cost of plying.

The buses, each having 62 seats, ply between 8 am and 6 pm. Of three scheduled trips in a day, the buses make two. And the occupancy is not more than 70 persons.

Sanjeev Aggarwal, proprietor of Krishna Tours, said the bus service received a lukewarm response because it was not publicised widely.

“The buses can be hired for private tours and functions subject to the condition that it does not disturb the itinerary for tourists. We take bookings for private functions only after its scheduled sight-seeing journey. It can be for a function or group tours. Whatever be the revenue, 10 per cent of it goes to the government’s kitty,” he said.

Aggarwal further said it would be too early to calculate profit and loss. “The service was introduced ahead of elections. The model code of conduct restricted the project’s publicity. At present, it’s not a profitable venture in view of low occupancy and exorbitant running cost.”

For Rs 250 a ticket, tourists visit 16 spots — Harmandar Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh, Hall Gate, Town Hall/Partition Museum, Sri Durgiana Mandir, Gobindgarh Fort, Khalsa College, Guru Nanak Dev University, India Gate, War Heroes Memorial, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Saada Pind, Anand Park, Trillium Mall, Hotel Taj, Company Bagh and Attari-Wagah joint check post.