Entry to India’s most iconic landmark may be capacity controlled in a bid to halt the ‘uncontrollably high’ crowds seen over the recent festive season.
Under prompting from the Archaeological Survey of India, local and central government officials are mulling proposals to limit the number of visitors each day to the Taj Mahal.
It is set to cap the numbers daily to 40,000 with each visitor allowed only three hours during a visit, the Indian Express reports.
"Several measures have been proposed by the ASI to ensure a smooth experience at the Taj Mahal and avert any tragedy, including limiting the number of visitors at 40,000 and limiting the validity of entry to three hours. We have no option but to go by these measures," union culture minister Mahesh Sharma told the newspaper.
Five people were injured during overcrowding last week prompting the new proposal.
Ticket sales would be halted once the daily limit of 40,000 is reached although the higher priced tickets for foreigners would still be available for sale and same day entry.
The famous landmark attracts about 35-40,000 people on a daily basis but during holidays and weekends this can swell to up to 70,000.
