Get set for thrilling rides in Hussain Sagar

Khairatabad: The Hussain Sagar Lake is soon to glitter with new colourfully designed deluxe and speed boats. The Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) is planning to introduce new deluxe boats, with glass top coverings and that can travel at high speeds.

The boats were designed in Pune at a cost of Rs 30 lakh, and they have a seating capacity of 35. The boats have an enclosed glass pane, through which tourists can view and enjoy the entire scenic beauty of the lake, especially in the evenings, when the entire runway around is well-lighted, a feast for an eye.

The speedboats cost about Rs 15 lakh and they have a seating capacity of 10 passengers. The existing speedboats have seating capacity of only 4 passengers.

B Manohar, managing director at TSTDS, said that the demand for boating activity has been on the constant rise. Cruise boat services started in 2002. Based on the public demand, a deluxe boat and a speed boat will begin their services in a couple of days. The boats are also suitable for small parties, get-togethers and meetings. He added that the corporation is also planning to introduce a 70-seater boat in the future.

The boating services started in late 1980s on Hussain Sagar. At present, there are five 4-seater speed boats, one 50-seat mechanized boat and three cruise boats. The corporation is going to add another two 10-seater speed boats, and three deluxe boats with glass tops.

All the boats are well-maintained and equipped with safety parameters like life jackets and lifebuoys. These boats can be hired and boarded from the Lumbini Parkside by paying Rs 150 per person.

At present, over 10,000 tourists use the boating facility on weekends and on holidays, around 3,000 to 5,000 tourists use the facility during weekdays.