GTA starts battery cars for tourists in Darjeeling Hills

DARJEELING : The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on Friday introduced three battery-powered cars to ferry tourists from the Mall to the Darjeeling zoo. "We have started the service keeping the tourists in mind. However, locals can also take the ride if they want," said GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung. Another vehicle has been allotted to Kalimpong, where it will run in and around the Delo area. "The vehicle in Delo will cover a radius of 10-15 km," said Gurung. GTA has decided to operate the eight-seaters in two stretches. The first will be from the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan to Darjeeling zoo, while the other will cover Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan to Mahakal Mandir. The rates for the rides have also been fixed. A round trip for any of the stretches will cost Rs 20 per person.