New Delhi, Jan 3: The number of Indians visiting Agra’s Taj Mahal has been capped to 40,000 per day. The decision was taken on Tuesday in a meeting attended by senior bureaucrats, ASI officials and Paramilitary officers. The number of foreigners visiting the 16th century mausoleum has not been restricted. The decision will be implemented from January 20.
There is currently no limit to the number of tourists visiting the Taj. It was reported earlier that a limit will be imposed to address concerns regarding maintenance of the monument.
Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma was later apprised of the minutes of the meeting by the officials. The minister will take a final call on the matter.
Pricing of tickets for Indians was also discussed in the meeting. Children aged below 15 years won’t have to pay any fee for entering the complex. However, a zero-charge ticket will be issued to keep head count. Those who want to enter the main crypt will be required to pay Rs 100, while the entry ticket would be Rs 50 for those who don’t want to enter the crypt.
The sale of ticket will stop after 40,000 tickets are sold. While the first batch of people will be allowed from sunrise to nine, the second batch of 20000 will be allowed after noon. Foreigners will have to pay a fee of Rs 1000. If Indians want to visit after the limit of 40,000 is reached, they will have to shell out Rs 1000.