AGRA: The e-ticketing facility at the Taj Mahal is still not fully operational and BSNL is reportedly to blame. According to reports, the inordinate delay on the part of Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in laying down leased internet lines has
proved costly for the Archaeological Survey of India, which was supposed
to make the facility available at all three gates of the monument by
February 28.
A leased internet line is a permanent and fast connection to the Internet via a copper or fibre-optic wire between the consumer and the internet service provider.
ASI officials said that BSNL was paid Rs 5 lakh in January to complete the contract and lay down the cables for starting the service, but they have failed to do so.
The e-ticketing facility, which was launched on December 26 last year by the Union ministry for culture and tourism, is currently only available at the east gate. This facility has been running on a temporary basis since then without a leased line.
ASI officials said that the consignment of laying wires at the south and the west gate has long been pending with BSNL. Only general printed tickets are being sold at the west gate, which caters to 60% of the tourist inflow and the south gate.
Sources said that the ASI has once again written to BSNL general manager in this regard seeking his intervention in the matter.
"This delay is not understandable. We have been pursuing the matter for the last two months, but no straight replies are forth coming. The culture ministry and the IRCTC, which is operating the service, have expressed their concern on several occasions," said a senior ASI official.
"The implementation of e-ticketing will not only make the services smoother but also reduce chances of ticket-reselling," he added.
When contacted, Rajesh Kumar, additional general manager, BSNL, said, "The work of laying cable at the east gate will be completed in a week's time from now. As far as the other two gates are concerned, certain permissions are yet to be taken from the ASI and other authorities. We are in the process of completing the formalities."
BSNL general manager R K Shukla could not be contacted for his comments despite repeated attempts.
A leased internet line is a permanent and fast connection to the Internet via a copper or fibre-optic wire between the consumer and the internet service provider.
ASI officials said that BSNL was paid Rs 5 lakh in January to complete the contract and lay down the cables for starting the service, but they have failed to do so.
The e-ticketing facility, which was launched on December 26 last year by the Union ministry for culture and tourism, is currently only available at the east gate. This facility has been running on a temporary basis since then without a leased line.
ASI officials said that the consignment of laying wires at the south and the west gate has long been pending with BSNL. Only general printed tickets are being sold at the west gate, which caters to 60% of the tourist inflow and the south gate.
Sources said that the ASI has once again written to BSNL general manager in this regard seeking his intervention in the matter.
"This delay is not understandable. We have been pursuing the matter for the last two months, but no straight replies are forth coming. The culture ministry and the IRCTC, which is operating the service, have expressed their concern on several occasions," said a senior ASI official.
"The implementation of e-ticketing will not only make the services smoother but also reduce chances of ticket-reselling," he added.
When contacted, Rajesh Kumar, additional general manager, BSNL, said, "The work of laying cable at the east gate will be completed in a week's time from now. As far as the other two gates are concerned, certain permissions are yet to be taken from the ASI and other authorities. We are in the process of completing the formalities."
BSNL general manager R K Shukla could not be contacted for his comments despite repeated attempts.
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