AGRA: In view of the rising number of Covid cases and Omicron scare, Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to close ticket windows at Taj Mahal and other monuments in Agra from Monday and allow only its online sales.
Confirming this, Superintending Archeologist (Agra circle) RK Patel said that the decision was taken in order to avoid crowds at the two ticket windows that were operational on East and West gate since November 27last year. He added that ticket windows will be operational again once the situation improves.
However, one ticket counter inside the Taj Mahal will remain operational for buying a separate ticket of Rs 200 for entry into the main mausoleum of Taj Mahal.
Besides Taj Mahal, ticket counters have also been shut at other monuments — Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, Etmauddaula, Mehtab Bagh, Rambagh and Maryam's Tomb.
Vice chairman of Tourism Guild Agra, Rajiv Saxena, said that though this is a good move in order to follow social distancing norms, people from rural areas and those who are not digitally active will have to face problems. “They will become prey for those who sell tickets outside Taj Mahal at higher prices,” he said.
According to ASI officials, online ticket sales have increased since Covid-19 struck India as people are more comfortable in contactless purchase but offline tickets are still in demand.
On January 1, a total 37,834 tickets were sold including 4581 at the ticket counters. Similarly, on January 2, total 32,496 tickets were sold including 5550 at the ticket counters at Taj Mahal.
