NEW DELHI: Tourism minister Prahlad Patel on Saturday said women visitors at all ticketed monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India will be granted free entry on International Women’s Day on Sunday. The monuments include Taj Mahal.

Monuments like Red Fort, Qutub Minar , Humayun’s Tomb, Taj Mahal, Sun Temple in Konark , Mamallapuram, Ellora caves , Khajuraho monuments, and the Ajanta caves will be among the other sites that will grant free entry to all women. “Monuments across the country have baby feeding/childcare rooms. The service is available at the Taj Mahal,” Patel said, highlighting initiatives by the ASI and tourism ministry to improve experience for women tourists.

The ministry has also deployed women security guards along with separate entry and exit points for women at some monuments like Red Fort and Taj Mahal.

Superintending archeologist in ASI (Agra circle) Vasant K Swarnkar said, “It is for the first time that women, including foreigners, will get free entry to the ASI monuments.” While tickets for Indians at Taj costs Rs 50, foreigners have to pay Rs 1,100 besides a separate ticket of Rs 200 for entry to the main mausoleum. Of the daily visitors, 40-50% are women, officials said.

