Agra: Tourists spending more than 3 hours at the Taj Mahal will now be charged an additional fee as per a circular issued by authorities. The monument was earlier opened to visitors from morning (30 minutes before sunrise) to evening (30 minutes before sunset).

The move comes into effect in order to prevent unauthorized entry and to avoid any rush in the premises of the iconic monument. Turnstile gates have been installed at the entry points as a safety measure. Entry tokens, valid for only three hours will be given to tourists. Failure to exit in the given time slot may lead to an additional fee being charged. 

The measures will be implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a government agency responsible for the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.The ASI is also planning to set up a baby feeding room in the premises taking into account the high number of mothers visiting the monument along with their babies. 

Domestic tourists will have to pay Rs. 200 while citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries need to pay Rs 540. Other foreign tourists have to pay Rs. 1100 to visit the monument.