Delhi Metro museum attracts HoHo bus tourists

The Hop-On-Hop-Off (HoHo) buses that ferry tourists in Delhi and now stop at the Patel Chowk Metro Museum has received good response from tourists on the first day it was launched Saturday, a Delhi Metro official said.

"Twenty-nine tourists visited the museum using the first HoHo bus service Metro Museum at Patel Chowk Metro station at 9.15 a.m. today (Saturday)," a Delhi Metro official said.

According to the official, the visitors included tourists from all over the country, some non-resident Indians (NRI) and tourists from Britain and the UAE.

"The historical photographs and the genesis of the Delhi Metro was briefed to them by the museum curator," the official said.

Going through informative panels in the museum, a working toy model of the metro train, station models and various other exhibits, John Bhaij, a visitor from Britain said: "The metro is making a difference to commuting not just for locals but also for tourists. A real achievement. Well done India."

B.V. Shivam from Dubai said: "I have travelled in Dubai Metro as well but with all the constraints and demands, the Delhi Metro services are well maintained. Way to go."

The purple HoHo buses cover 19 other tourist spots in the national capital.

The entry fee to the museum will be Rs.8. Leaflets containing information about Delhi Metro, route maps and Metro Museum will be given to visitors.

"Everyday the first HoHo bus carrying tourists will reach gate number one of Patel Chowk at 9.15 a.m. and subsequent buses will stop there after every 45 minutes," an official said.

According to Delhi Metro, tourists who wish to visit the museum can get down at Patel Chowk, catch the next HoHo bus after 45 minutes and proceed to other tourist spots on the circuit.

The Metro Museum showcases the history and journey of the Delhi Metro.