Gatiman Exp: Section of Agra's tourism ind not enthusiastic

Though the common man expressed happiness as the country's first semi-high speed train Gatiman Express reached here from New Delhi in record time, a section of the local tourism industry, some hoteliers and travel agents, demonstrated lack of enthusiasm.
"We really see no gain from yet another premier train as it will leave Agra in the evening. The tourists won't prefer to spend the night in Agra but return the same evening," said Rajiv Tiwari, president of Federation of Travel Associations of India.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the train from Hazarat Nizammuddin railway station in Delhi.
The train will ply six days a week. According to the schedule, it will start its journey from Nizamuddin at 8.10 AM to reach Agra at 9.50 AM. In the return, it will depart from Agra at 5.50 PM to reach Nizamuddin at 7.30 PM.

"All three trains the Taj Express, the Shatabdi, and now the Gatiman arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. So why would any tourist stay back?" Tiwari asked.
He wondered if the government does not want tourists to visit other monuments likeFatehpur Sikri or the Etmauddaula.

"Most tourists are now focused on the Taj Mahal and the Fort," he said.
Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association, alleged it's another "conspiracy" of the Delhi-lobby of the hoteliers and travel agents.
"They don't want an international airport in Agra, they don't want tourists to stay overnight here. The trains' timings are scheduled in such a manner the tourists prefer to return the same day. With so many attractions in Agra, how can a tourist see them all in a single day? The railways should review the schedule," he said.

Hoteliers told PTI that an afternoon train would be the best option as many tourists want to return after the noon check out time in the hotels. "At least one train should come in the evening from Delhi," Chauhan demanded.
Hoteliers point out to other options before tourists.
"Many options are now available. Once the inner city ring road opens a journey via the Yamuna Expressway to the tourist complex would be glitch-free. Work on six-laning of the national highway via Mathura is fast progressing and will save lots of time for the tourists," said Raj Kumar of Alleviate hotel.