• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Tourists visiting the Taj Mahal during the Christmas and New Year holidays are likely to face long queues and limited parking. Authorities stated that around 35,000 visitors are expected to visit the marvellous structure per day, during the year-end holidays. If you are planning to visit the beautiful Mughal-era monument do look after these important things before reaching Agra. 

At present, floor improvement work is being done by the Agra Development Authority (ADA) in the western gate parking of the Taj Mahal due to ongoing work parking space has also become limited. In addition, parking contracts have not been finalised yet following which inexperienced ADA employees are managing the parking at the Taj Mahal system. 

The ticket windows at the east gate and west gate of the Taj Mahal are not fully operational by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which further increases the crowd at the entry gates. There is also no provision for paying for the tickets through cards at the ticket window.  

ALSO READ: 10 Killed As Rain Fury Continues In Tamil Nadu; Schools Shut In Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi Districts

Authorities stated that in anticipation of huge numbers of tourists, four additional ticket counters will be opened on December 23,24,25 and 31. Superintending Archeologist Rajkumar Patel also stated that the administration was also planning to increase the number of employees in the Taj Mahal before the new year. 

Meanwhile, Agra Development Authority operates around 50 battery cars (golf carts) at the Taj Mahal and plans to increase this number for the comfort of the visitors. The Shilpgram parking, which has a large space, is not functional due to the stalled multi-level parking work since May 2017.

ALSO READ: Gulmarg Records Coldest Temperature This Season; Several Parts Of Kashmir Valley Experience Sub-Zero Degrees

ACP Taj Security, Syed Arib Ahmed informed that the buses will be parked around the Horticulture Department located in front of Agra Fort and vehicles will not be allowed to enter Tajganj from Old Mandi. He also added that if the parking lot is filled, vehicles will be parked at alternative parking spaces located near the Taj Mahal. 

The ASI website advises tourists to book tickets online to avoid standing in long queues to get their entry tickets. People have been advised to check the parking areas before heading towards the Taj Mahal in the year-end holidays.