New Delhi, April 1 (IANS): The government has increased the entry fee at 116 centrally-protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The revised rates come into effect from Friday.

The enhancement comes after a period of more than 15 years as the last increase took place in 2000. 

"The fee has been revised after calling for comments and suggestions from general public, tour and travel associations and ministry of tourism," a ministry of culture statement said.

The enhanced rates are at par with entry fee at monuments abroad, the statement said. 

For Indian nationals and citizens of Saarc and BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal), the entry fee for World Heritage Monuments has been revised from Rs.10 to Rs.30 whereas for other monuments, it has been increased from Rs.5 to Rs.15. 

Similarly, for the citizens of all other countries, the entry fee for World Heritage Monuments and other monuments has been doubled from Rs.250 to Rs.500 and Rs.100 to Rs.200, respectively. 

A separate queue would be provided for high value ticket holders of Rs.750, Rs.500, Rs.300 and Rs.200 for ensuring smooth entry to the monument.

The government has also decided to provide better facilities to tourists coming to ASI monuments. 

"Better facilities in the form of free bottled water, wi-fi connectivity, mementoes and CDs with pictures and films of monuments would be offered to tourists purchasing high value tickets of Rs.750 and Rs.300. 

"This would also generate additional revenue for the government," the statement said.