Delhi must emerge as tourism hub, not just transit point: Minister Sood
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday said the time has come to develop the national capital into a leading tourism destination rather than a mere transit hub, asserting that the city's growth vision is centred on improving infrastructure, aesthetics and visitor experience.
Addressing the second ICC Aviation and Tourism Summit 2026 organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Sood said the Delhi Budget 2026–27 lays a roadmap for building a developed city defined by order, opportunity and modern infrastructure.
The summit brought together policymakers, aviation and tourism industry leaders, and other stakeholders to deliberate on growth prospects and collaboration in the sector. ICC Tourism Excellence Awards were also presented on the occasion, an official statement said.
Sood highlighted the importance of first impressions for tourists and said that the arrival experience plays a crucial role. He said Indira Gandhi International Airport reflects the city's identity and has been recognised as the best airport in India and South Asia for the eighth consecutive time.
He added that initiatives such as cultural displays and technology-driven systems like DigiYatra have improved passenger experience, making travel smoother and more efficient.
Referring to the Delhi Budget, Sood said the Rs 1.37 lakh crore outlay for 2026–27 focuses on infrastructure and urban development.
The capital expenditure has been increased to Rs 32,000 crore, with Rs 2,613 crore earmarked for transport and related infrastructure, including the redevelopment of around 750 km of roads, he added.
He said projects such as flyovers and corridors, including the Barapullah Phase-3, are aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity across the city.
Efforts to promote Delhi's global image through initiatives like "Branding Delhi" are also underway, as such events and cultural infrastructure help in boosting tourism, he added.
The minister further said the government is also focusing on sustainable growth with a dedicated green budget and policies promoting electric vehicles and solar energy.
He called for collective efforts to position Delhi not only as the political capital but also as a cultural and tourism hub, adding that the government aims to ensure a positive experience for every visitor.
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Discoms urge Delhiites to switch off non essential lighting during Earth Hour on Saturday
New Delhi (PTI): City power discoms have urged Delhiites to participate in Earth Hour on Saturday by turning off non-essential electrical appliances between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm to promote a sustainable environment.
BSES discoms BRPL and BYPL have joined the event promoted by WWF-India.
This year's initiative is themed "Give an Hour for Earth," calling on citizens to dedicate one hour to the planet and inspire lasting change.
"As a proud partner of WWF-India, BSES has urged its around 54 lakh consumers and 2.25 crore residents across South, West, East and Central Delhi to participate in this global movement," the discom said in a statement.
Last year, Delhi saved 269 MW during Earth Hour.
From homes and markets to offices and public spaces, the city will unite in turning off non-essential lights and appliances during this hour in a collective act that emphasises a shared commitment to sustainability.
Earth Hour 2026 also marks two decades of a movement that has grown from a symbolic switch-off in Sydney in 2007 into a defining global call for climate action across more than 190 countries.
BSES plans to switch off non-essential lighting in over 400 offices covering approximately 900 square kilometres during the designated hour.
The discoms are using social media, SMS, and email to reach out to people for wider participation in the initiative.
In a statement, the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) said that it has reached out to resident welfare associations (RWAs) and other consumers to spread awareness about Earth Hour. The discom has also approached students and teachers across 150 schools, as well as residents of 218 slum clusters in the city.
