First tourist information cafe inaugurated in Delhi

NEW DELHI - The first tourist information cafe for visitors expected during the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games was inaugurated near Red Fort by Delhi Mayor Prithviraj Sawhney Monday.

The cafe comes a day after two tourists were injured in a firing incident at the nearby Jama Masjid.

Besides having information kiosks providing details in eight languages on accommodation, routes, food, shopping destinations and culture, the cafes will have facilities for food and beverages as well as souvenirs.

“This centre is a one-point information hub for the tourists coming to Delhi. It’s a representation of our heritage and culture,” Sawhney told IANS.

On Sunday’s shooting, the mayor said: “We will make sure that there is no security lapse. Jama Masjid incident was a warning for us, and we are prepared.”

Conceived by Delhi-based artist Ved Pohooja and his associates on land provided by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NMDC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), there will be a total of 40 such cafes around Delhi.

“The aim is to brand Delhi through our culture, food and heritage. We want foreign visitors to remember Delhi as a perfect experience,” Suresh Goel, who is associated with the project, said.

Chief Minister Sheila Dixit inaugurated another information cafe in the Connaught Place area.