Operators cut 37 out of 52 popular tourist spots in Mumbai from itinerary, while keeping tourists in dark; blame traffic congestion
Operators cut 37 out of 52 popular tourist spots in Mumbai from itinerary, while keeping tourists in dark; blame traffic congestionu00a0
Don't be surprised if a visiting cousin does not get to seeu00a0 all the places in the city promised in his or her
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CHEATED: Reshma Maisheri (right) with her friend during a Mumbai darshan tour |
Mumbai darshan itinerary. Thanks to traffic congestion in the city, tour operators are not visiting 37 of the 52 popular tourist spots like Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon and Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli, listed in most Mumbai darshan tour lists.
Tourists are only allowed to get off the bus at 15 such stops, or even fewer, depending on the day's traffic situation. The operators are increasingly skipping spots in Dadar, Bandra and Andheri.
MiD DAY had on February 5, reported how the world's highest hollow Pagoda (96.12 metres) at Gorai Creek, Borivli, that was inaugurated last month, was not a part of Mumbai darshan tours, because operators felt then, as they do now, that traffic in the suburbs can't be negotiated.
"Earlier, our tours ended either in Goregaon or Borivli. Now, we are forced to conclude the Mumbai darshan tours with a trip to the Jogger's Park in Bandra," explained Nikhil Shetty of Vigneshwar Travels, Fort. Shetty and other tour operators blame roads dug across the city to construct new flyovers, skywalks and the metro rail for the traffic situation.
Reshma Maisheri (25), a resident of Mulund, who toured Mumbai recently, said, "The buses often skip places that are worth seeing. People who know Mumbai understand they are being fooled by the operators as they are not shown some of the best places in the city like the Siddhivinayak temple. Those who are new to the city don't realise what they are missing."
Mumbai u00a0Darshan fares
Rs 130: Semi-luxury bus
Rs 150: Luxury bus
