Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh today announced that from December 25 an electric double-decker bus will be launched in Lucknow for sightseeing tours of the City of Nawabs.

"This bus will be operated from the 1090 Crossing in the state capital to facilitate sightseeing tours for tourists and devotees visiting the capital. The bus will have trained guides who will brief passengers on the history, background, traditions and heritage of the city’s historic and ancient religious sites," the minister said here.

Decisions regarding the bus route and fare will be taken after further discussion. The launch of the double-decker bus is proposed for December 25, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The minister was reviewing the activities of the Tourism and Culture Department during a meeting here.

He directed officials to ensure the completion of all pending works under the department’s ongoing development projects by December 31, 2025 and latest by February 2026.

He further instructed the department to expedite the work plan for the financial year 2025-26 and complete all required formalities at the earliest. He also emphasised the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure across various development authorities.

The minister reiterated that financial discipline, timely execution and quality standards must be strictly followed in every construction project.

During the review, Jaiveer Singh instructed that boards be installed at all locations where tourism and culture projects are underway. These boards must include the project name, estimated cost, expected completion date and the mobile numbers of the executive and assistant engineers.

He said that visitors should also be able to learn about the background, significance and historical importance of the site through the information displayed. The boards should also mention the name and contact number of the implementing agency.

He reiterated that there will be no compromise on quality in any construction work. If substandard materials are found, strict action will be taken against the contractor and the executing agency.

He directed completion of the ongoing Ramleela boundary wall projects in Hardoi, Etah, Aligarh, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Mainpuri and Amroha by December 31. He also instructed that toilet complexes be constructed for visitors at large Ramleela grounds.

He added that the boundary walls of Ramleela venues across the state should have uniformity, with designs reflecting elements of Sanatan tradition. This standard will be implemented at all Ramleela sites in the state.