Ring road to offer smooth ride to Taj: Agra DM

Yamuna Expressway has meant a quick and smooth drive — but only up to the city limits of Agra, Kapil Datta reports.

Yamuna Expressway has meant a quick and smooth drive — but only up to the city limits of Agra.

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Visitors continue getting caught in jams in Agra. And it is a double whammy. A sudden increase in the traffic volume has shaken the administration there as well.

The rush of tourists — around 80,000 visited the Taj Mahal this weekend — has thrown traffic out of gear in the city.

Agra district magistrate Ajay Chauhan said, "The expressway traffic has led to snarls in Agra. We are studying the traffic volume patterns. This weekend, the high volume was mainly because toll is to be charged only from August 16. Next weekend will give us a clear picture of the traffic volume."

On how to provide a safe passage to visitors up to the Taj, he said, "We are working on an outer ring road project. It has not been shelved, but the progress has been slow. Land acquisition could be done only at some areas. Once the outer ring road is constructed, visitors will not face problems."

"We are also identifying points, which have become jam-prone areas. A new traffic plan will be prepared to provide a smooth drive to visitors in Agra," said Chauhan.

"I advise visitors to take the Etmadpur route and reach the Taj via the new bridge. They should avoid taking the internal city route as it is longer and witnesses jams. Through the Etmadpur route, one will be able to reach the Taj in 25 minutes. We have planned to strengthen this stretch, so that it can bear heavy traffic," said Chauhan.