Operators mull online ticketing after cold response to hot air balloon rides in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Looking at the lukewarm response to the recently launched hot air balloon rides in Delhi, the organisers are now planning to set up an online ticket booking system to boost sales.
Since its public opening almost a month ago on November 29, the tethered hot air balloon rides at the Baansera Park near Sarai Kale Khan have seen a sluggish response from Delhiites.
“Only those visiting the Baanseera Park are buying tickets. People are not coming especially for the rides. Since the launch, we have operated for 1-2 hours each Saturday and Sunday,” Mukesh Yadav, associate vice-president of Rajas Aerosports and Adventures, the company conducting the rides, told PTI.
“We plan to set up an online ticketing system soon to increase awareness and convenience for people wanting to take the rides,” he said.
Adding another recreational activity to the city's landscape, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) launched the hot air balloon rides for the public at the Baansera Park on November 29.
There was no response from the DDA to queries raised on the poor response.
The private organisers said that since the launch, the rides were conducted on only three weekends, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
“On each weekend, 20 tickets were sold on average,” Yadav said. To attract more customers, the organisers have also slashed the ticket price to Rs 2,300 per person from the Rs 3,000 planned initially.
“The rides are organised till the last light of the day, which is around 6 pm currently,” Yadav said.
A single trip ranges from 7 to 12 minutes, with each ride having a holding capacity of four people.
In July, the DDA finalised the private agency to conduct these activities at four locations – the Yamuna Sports Complex, the Commonwealth Games sports complexes, and two other sites along the Yamuna at Asita and Baansera.
However, the expansion plans, beyond Baansera, are on hold till the pilot is successful. The peak season for balloon rides in north India is from November to February, which offers ideal weather conditions.
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Bengaluru: PUC student dies by suicide, hours after results were declared
Bengaluru (PTI): A second-year Pre-University Course student allegedly died by suicide at her residence here, hours after the exam results were announced, police said on Friday.
Tanushree (17), a science student, reportedly failed in three subjects, which is suspected to be the trigger behind her taking such an extreme step, they said.
However, no suicide note was recovered from the spot, except her hall ticket, which was found lying on the bed.
According to police, the incident came to light on Thursday around 3.30 pm, shortly after the results were announced.
She hung herself from the ceiling fan when no one was at home. Her mother had gone to work, a senior police officer said.
Citing preliminary inquiry, the officer said it is a clear-cut case of suicide. She was apparently distressed over failing in three subjects and had also called her friends to discuss the same.
When she did not respond to their calls and messages later, her friends decided to check on her, he said.
Based on her mother's complaint, a case of unnatural death has been filed, with Hebbal police investigation indicating it to be a case of suicide, police added.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
