Taj faces tokens shortage, ASI orders 15,000 more

Taj faces tokens shortage, ASI orders 15,000 more

AgenciesUpdated: Wednesday, December 18, 2019, 10:35 PM IST
article-image

Agra (UP): Facing a shortage of tokens for entry to the Taj Mahal, which was affecting tourist footfall in the Mughal-era mausoleum, the Archaeological Survey of India has ordered 15,000 more of these magnetic coins.

Explaining the possible reason for the shortage of tokens, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI (Agra Circle), Vasant Kumar Swarnkar told PTI on Wednesday that the tourist guides buy extra coins in anticipation of getting more customers but either forget to return the unused coins or loose them.

The new system was set up to make entry to the Taj hassle free for tourists. However, shortage of tokens has been affecting the tourist entry, specially during weekends, he said.

"The ASI has ordered for 15,000 magnetic coins to meet the shortage," Swarnkar said, adding that now there will be 35,000 coins available with the ASI to facilitate tourist entry into the monument.

In June 2019, the turnstile gates were installed at the monument's west and east gates. At the time, the ASI had ordered 40,000 coins, however, between June and December around 20,000 coins could not be retrieved.

The official said that additional manpower has been deployed at the gates of the Taj Mahal to remind the tourists of returning the coins before exiting.

RECENT STORIES

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Unveils Campaign Strategy In UP, Books 19 Chartered Planes For Star...

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Unveils Campaign Strategy In UP, Books 19 Chartered Planes For Star...

Kolkata: BJP Leader Dilip Ghosh Once Again Makes Controversial Statement Against TMC After ECI Sends...

Kolkata: BJP Leader Dilip Ghosh Once Again Makes Controversial Statement Against TMC After ECI Sends...

Kolkata: TMC Leader Mahua Moitra Skips ED Summons, To Start Campaigning For Upcoming Lok Sabha...

Kolkata: TMC Leader Mahua Moitra Skips ED Summons, To Start Campaigning For Upcoming Lok Sabha...

ED Questions AAP Leaders In Goa Liquor Policy Scam Investigation; Kejriwal's Custody Extended

ED Questions AAP Leaders In Goa Liquor Policy Scam Investigation; Kejriwal's Custody Extended

Gujarat: NDPS Court Imposes 2 Lakh Fine On Sacked IPS Officer Sanjiv Bhatt In Drug Planting Case

Gujarat: NDPS Court Imposes 2 Lakh Fine On Sacked IPS Officer Sanjiv Bhatt In Drug Planting Case