Mysuru launches Yatri Mitra tourist patrol vehicle on World Tourism Day
Karnataka's Tourism Department launched Yatri Mitra, a mobile tourist patrol vehicle, in Mysuru to assist visitors and curb touting.
The Tourism Department has launched a dedicated mobile tourist patrol vehicle, 'Yatri Mitra', in Mysuru, marking what is described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Karnataka. The service was inaugurated on World Tourism Day at the Mysuru Palace premises on Sunday.
The patrol vehicle will move continuously between key tourist destinations, including the Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru Zoo, the railway station and the bus stand. Its primary aim is to shield visitors from touts who are said to mislead them with false information about attractions and services.
Two trained personnel, designated 'Tourist Mithras', will travel on the vehicle. They will serve as first responders during medical, security and other emergencies, besides offering tourists authentic information about attractions, route guidance and assistance as needed.
The initiative was conceptualised by Prabhuswamy V.M., former Assistant Director of the Department of Tourism, Mysuru, and Special Officer to the Minister for Energy and Tourism. Under a sponsored collaboration, GRS Fantasy Park/Baliga Investments Private Limited has provided the patrol vehicle, a dedicated driver and fuel expenses for the entire trial period.
The service will operate on a trial basis from September 27 to October 31, covering the busy Dasara tourism season. Based on tourist feedback and operational experience during the trial, the department plans to make the service permanent and extend the model to other major tourist destinations in Mysuru. The initiative carries the tagline "Safe Journey, Memorable Experience."