Delhi’s VVIP Zones to Bloom With Dutch Tulips Again; Over Half a Million Bulbs Being Imported

New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is once again set to adorn the capital’s most prestigious avenues—Chanakyapuri, Shanti Path and other VVIP zones—with vibrant tulips this winter. To bring this spectacular floral display to life, NDMC will import 5.17 lakh tulip bulbs from the Netherlands, at an estimated cost of ₹1.30 crore to ₹1.55 crore.

Dutch Bulbs for VVIP Roads, Indigenous Bulbs for Wider Coverage

Of the imported bulbs, roughly 1.92 lakh tulip bulbs will also be shared with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for plantation in designated areas.
Alongside the imported flowers, NDMC will plant thousands of indigenous tulip bulbs as well, adding a homegrown touch to the city’s seasonal beauty.

Tulip planting is scheduled to begin after December 15.

Slight Reduction in Imported Tulip Numbers This Year

Tulip installation in VVIP areas has been a long-standing tradition, with the majority of bulbs historically sourced from the Netherlands.
Last year (2024–25), NDMC imported 5.50 lakh tulip bulbs costing around ₹1.60 crore.
This year, the number has been slightly reduced to 5.17 lakh bulbs, reflecting a more balanced approach that also includes indigenous varieties.

Why Tulips in Only Select High-Security Zones?

Most tulip bulbs are planted along iconic stretches such as Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, Akbar Road, and Nyaya Marg.
A nearly 3-kilometre-long stretch on Shanti Path becomes a major attraction each winter.

Officials say these flowers are planted in carefully chosen, low-footfall VVIP zones to prevent theft and damage, ensuring their pristine display remains intact for visitors and dignitaries.

Indigenous Tulips to Enhance the Winter Landscape

This year, NDMC is increasing the presence of Indian-grown tulips to enrich the city’s floral diversity.
Among them:

• 29,000 bulbs being prepared at NDMC’s own chambers
• 21,000 bulbs cultivated in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

These locally grown tulips will complement the imported varieties and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Delhi’s winter gardens.