2 min readNew DelhiOct 5, 2014 06:06 PM IST
First published on: Oct 5, 2014 at 06:06 PM IST
It is constructed on the lines of the famous such flyers in London and Singapore. (Source: Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Delhi Eye, a 200-foot-tall ferris wheel adjacent to Kalindi Kunj in Okhla, has been finally thrown open to the public. It is constructed on the lines of the famous such flyers in London and Singapore. In fact, the same Dutch company which created the Singapore Flyer, was hired to construct the Delhi Eye. Although the structure came up a couple of years ago, it had rolled into controversy before its inauguration. A court-appointed committee overseeing encroachments on the river called it “illegal”, saying it falls within the 300-metre strip along either side of the river where private and commercial construction has been forbidden.
“But all due clearances have been obtained now, and from now, it’s up and running all seven days of the week,” said Syed Salim, Managing Director of iZara Entertainment, which runs the wheel. Also present at the launch was Henk Roodenburg, President of Dutch Wheels & Venkoma Rides, which has constructed the structure at a cost of approximately Rs 70 crore. The Netherlands-based company runs several giant wheels at well-known tourist locations in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. Roodenburg said, “This observatory-style experience would be special for Delhiites since the far reaching view over Delhi is spectacular.”
From 36 air-conditioned cabins, Delhi Eye offers a bird’s eye view of popular sites in the vicinity – including Akshardham Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and even Lotus Temple, in a span of 20 minutes. Each trip, which comprises three rounds, costs Rs 250 per head. About 18-storey high (45 metres), the giant wheel has a total capacity of 288 people. On a clear day, one can even see Connaught Place from a distance.
“We hope the strategic location of amusement park at Kalindi Kunj will make it accessible to people from Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon and the tourists will have another spot to visit in Delhi,” said Salim, adding, “As it starts doing well, we are going to add narrations, LCD screens and meals to add to the experience.”
It is constructed on the lines of the famous such flyers in London and Singapore. (Source: Express photo by Amit Mehra)
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