Ambika Soni promises Rs.500 million for Agra

Dec 14, 2007, 13:07 GMT

Agra, Dec 14 (IANS) Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni has promised to release Rs. 500 million to develop and streamline the tourism infrastructure of Agra, which draws lakhs of tourists annually.

She was addressing the consultative committee meeting of the parliament attached to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture here Thursday.

Soni listed a series of projects that she considered were urgently required to broad base facilities for the tourists. The district authorities have been asked to submit plans to the central government.

'In five years from now the city's profile is all set to change from one of medieval backwaters to a modern metropolis with a modern infrastructural base and a vibrant ambience that would lure the tourists and visitors from all over the world,' according to several city watchers, town planners and social activists.

'The Intentions are fine and most welcome, but what of action,' asked Surendra Sharma, founder president of Hotels and Restaurants Association of Agra.

Plans being worked out at the moment, include two bridges on the river Yamuna, urgent completion of a highway project that would enable heavy vehicles to avoid entering the city, one of the biggest amusement park, elevated Yamuna Kinara Road, shifting of transport agencies outside the city limits, mono or metro rail system, medical tourism facilities.

Perhaps the most significant change will come when the quality of water improves with supply link from the Ganga canal, for which efforts have already been initiated.

Another major step would be the upgradation of the present Kheria airport to international level. A new Ring road would ease traffic pressure considerably.

The promise of Rs.2 billion funding by the state government has come as a major morale booster.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service