MillenniumPost
Nation

Taj introduces Rs 200 fee for main mausoleum, hikes entry fee

New Delhi: The tourists visiting the Taj Mahal will have to shell out extra from April 1 as the government has decided to introduce Rs 200 charge for seeing the main mausoleum and also raise the entry fee to Rs 50 from Rs 40.
Speaking at a media briefing, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said the changes have been effected to "preserve the Taj Mahal" and for a better crowd management.
As of now, there is no separate fee for entry to the main mausoleum.
"We need to preserve the Taj Mahal for the generations to come. New 'barcoded' tickets would cost Rs 50 instead of the earlier Rs 40 and it would be valid only for three hours," said Sharma.
"A separate ticket of Rs 200 will be needed to enter into the main mausoleum at the Taj Mahal to ensure the protection of the area and better crowd management."
The Supreme Court recently directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a vision document on the preservation of the monument within four weeks.
Sharma also said the ministry had taken special steps to ensure the comfort for foreign tourists who pay Rs 1,250 for entry into the Taj Mahal.
The minister pointed out that the government has already spoken to authorities concerned to stop "lapka culture (culture of touts)" around the Taj Mahal.
"We are exploring how we can bring this 'lapka culture' to an end by bringing them under the ambit of serious offences and organised crime so that they can be booked accordingly.
The minister also said that his stand on touts is not just restricted to the protection of the tourists at Taj Mahal, but also across places of tourist interest around the country.
Next Story
Share it