Keeping the Taj Mahal Tidy: A New Visitor Cap
What’s the Big Deal?
India’s iconic 17th‑century love monument is getting a stricter crowd control policy. Starting now, only 40,000 local tourists can visit the Taj Mahal each day. For foreigners, the limit remains unchanged—just pay the 1,000 rupee (S$21) entrance fee.
Why the Bumper?
- “The crowds are practically turning the marble into a golden‑yellow shade,” says an Archaeological Survey of India insider. Pollution + bunched crowds = a super‑slow makeover.
- Daily visitor numbers are already a rollercoaster—average 10,000‑15,000, spike to 70,000 on weekends.
- Last December, a crush during the New Year’s rush injured five people—magnified the risk of a chaotic scenario.
Ticket Ticker
Locals normally pay only 40 rupees, but to keep the foot traffic in check, they’ll have to upgrade to the pricier ticket (declaring “Oh, I want to swipe that but I’m okay with spending more” — the choice is yours).
Why Preserve the Pearl?
- The mausoleum now faces smog yellowing and pesky insect waste that stains its external wall.
- Past fixes included “mud packs” made from fuller’s earth to pull out impurities.
- Remember the 2020 Presidential visits? Bill Clinton, Diana, and a host of royalty have waved in front of that awe‑inspiring crystal‑white marble.
Voices from the Crowd
Seema Sarkar from West Bengal says, “It was wild last time. This move looks great!”
Local tourist police head R.B. Pandey echoes: “We can’t let this priceless heritage get lost for future generations. Let’s control the traffic.”
Bottom Line
India is steering tourists into a less chaotic, more sustainable line-up at the Taj Mahal, ensuring this grand love story doesn’t crumble under too many footsteps.
