Agra: The creaky and worn-out wooden stairs leading to the Taj Mahal’s main mausoleum will soon be replaced with new steps made from Sal wood fitted in a stainless steel frame.
The decision, made by the Archaeological Survey of India comes after reports of several tourists twisting their ankles or injuring themselves after slipping or tripping on the rickety steps. This change will make sure the stairs are durable and safe.
According to the Agra Approved Guides Association President Shamsuddin, the existing wooden stairs have become loose after years of use, their surface and edges have worn out and there are cracks in the wood. In view of this situation, ASI Agra officials had sent a proposal to headquarters to replace these stairs, and it has now been approved.
Prince Vajpayee, senior conservation assistant of Taj Mahal, said, “The original marble stairs of the Taj Mahal were worn out due to hundreds of years of movement and there was a danger of slipping on them. About two decades ago, they were protected by covering them with wooden steps. These wooden stairs have been replaced from time to time. The last time they were replaced was eight years ago. But this time a combination of stainless steel and Sal wood will be used for the first time, which will increase both the strength and longevity of the stairs.”
Vajpayee said that the work of replacing the stairs will be done one side at a time so that movement of tourists is not affected.
Vajpayee also said that during the heavy rain between 10 and 12 September last year, there were reports of water leakage into the main dome. After this, the ASI conducted an investigation with drone cameras and LIDAR technology, in which leakage was found at two places. The team of Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, has recently completed the thermal scanning of the dome and the urn and will submit its report soon. Based on the report, the ASI will carry out the necessary conservation work. Earlier in 2015, an accurate record of the structure was prepared with 3D laser scanning of the Taj Mahal.
Prahalad Agarwal, President of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, said, “This city has always considered paramount the safety of tourists who paid a visit to the Taj Mahal and other historical sites in Agra. Considering the strength of the new material, the new stairs will surely be safer and will require fewer repairs in the future. This change will help improve the tourists’ experience.”
Vishal Sharma, who owns a handicrafts emporium, said, “The Taj Mahal is our cultural and historical heritage. Facilities must be improved without interfering with the original set-up. This will send out a positive message to the world community, besides giving relief to millions of tourists who were feeling uneasy while plying on the old stairs during peak hours. Such modernisation will work for the improvement of tourism in Agra.”
(Edited by Viny Mishra)