New Delhi: The much-anticipated tethered hot-air balloon rides, launched over two months ago at Baansera along the Yamuna riverbank, are encountering significant challenges in gaining momentum. Primarily, the leisure destination's jam-packed calendar of cultural events has left little room for this adventure activity to flourish.
Limited Operations and Scheduling Constraints
Initially envisioned for weekend operations on Saturdays and Sundays, the balloon rides have now been curtailed to Sunday evenings only, and that too when Baansera is not already booked for other events. According to insider sources, a mere six balloon rides have been conducted at this venue since its inauguration on November 25 last year. Factors such as adverse weather conditions and unexpectedly low visitor turnout have further hampered its regular functioning.
Expansion Plans Stalled
The original blueprint aimed to extend this recreational offering to four different locations across the city, including the Yamuna Sports Complex and the Commonwealth Games Village. However, to date, only Asita Park, another verdant space along the river, has been added to the list approximately fifteen days ago. A Delhi Development Authority official mentioned, "One can take a balloon ride at Asita on Saturdays. The timing is from 4 pm to 5.30 pm."
Even at Asita Park, operations have been sporadic; last week, no rides were conducted due to Republic Day celebrations. Sources reveal that only four rides have taken place there so far. This starkly contrasts with initial projections in the project proposal, which anticipated attracting at least thirty visitors daily, contingent on meeting a minimum threshold of participants.
Weather and Seasonal Challenges
Each balloon ride can accommodate four passengers along with a licensed pilot. The operator, Air Safari, which secured a licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to fly tethered balloons up to 200 feet, noted last November that the period from October to March offers optimal conditions for ballooning in north India. However, they cautioned, "the rides will be halted if weather conditions turn unsuitable, especially if strong winds blow."
Officials have indicated that the service will continue until the end of March. Experts, though, point out that balloon rides are generally less frequently cancelled between September and December, when weather in the region is more favourable, compared to January through March, when stronger winds often disrupt operations. Compounding this issue, the first three months of the year see a high volume of other events, increasing the likelihood of scheduling conflicts for balloon ride slots.
Initial Enthusiasm and Pricing Adjustments
During Baansera's inauguration, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who took a test ride to evaluate safety protocols, hailed the initiative as a novel way to connect people with the Yamuna's natural landscape. At that time, officials stated each flight would last between seven and twelve minutes, ascending to heights of 100 to 150 feet.
While ticket prices were initially set at Rs 3,000 plus taxes per person, sources indicate the fare was subsequently reduced to Rs 2,000. This adjustment came as the authority decided to temporarily forgo its revenue share in an effort to boost the activity's popularity.
Future Prospects and Promotional Strategies
To attract more participants, authorities are now contemplating several measures. These include promoting advance online bookings through multiple digital platforms and providing transport facilities to the venues for riders. The Delhi Development Authority has not responded to inquiries regarding specific plans to add more venues or further steps to promote the balloon rides.
The struggle of these tethered hot-air balloon rides underscores the complexities of introducing new recreational ventures in a bustling urban environment like Delhi, where competing events and unpredictable weather can significantly impact operational viability.
