Taj Mahal, Agra Fort to reopen from Monday after 6 months

India's star tourist attraction, the 17th-century monument of love, the Taj Mahal, and the Agra Fort, are all set to reopen from Monday, after an unprecedented closure of six months, due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials have made all necessary arrangements for the reopening. Amar Nath Gupta, the caretaker of the Taj Mahal, said, "Sanitisation at the Eastern and the Western gates, thermal screening, painting of circles for social distancing, etc., are in place.

Amar Nath Gupta added, "Only 2,500 visitors will be permitted inside the mausoleum in one shift and this will only be possible through online booking. Foreigners will need to buy Rs 1,100 entrance tickets and domestic visitors will be able to enter paying Rs 50 per ticket. Rs 200 ticket is additional to enter the main platform for a view of the graves of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal.

Meanwhile, the health department reported 105 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. The total number is now 4,706, of which 3,727 have recovered. The number of active cases is 862. So far, there have been 117 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Agra University late on Saturday evening announced the postponement of MBBS exams scheduled from Monday after 25 medicos tested positive. They have been admitted to the isolation ward. University officials said the new dates will be announced after consultation with S.N. Medical College authorities.