The van has been arranged by the Agra Development Authority, and costs around `15 lakhs.

 On November 25 a Mumbai tourist Syed Sultan collapsed at the Taj gate but since no medical help was at hand, family members  alleged delay in treatment cost him his life. In the past six months there have been several cases of injuries, tourists slipping and falling down. Each time there was a demand for medical help which could not be provided promptly.

 The Taj Mahal is visited by 10 to 15 thousand tourists daily.

However, tourism industry leaders expressed doubts saying the local health department already has several ambulances lying in the backyard at the district hospital. "It would have been better if the local NGOs like Help Agra had been given the responsibility," said hotelier Surendra Sharma.

Mukesh Jain, of Help Agra told Agratoday.in "yes we had approached the ADA to let us run the service but they showed no interest. We have a fleet of ambulances including an ICU Van and we are giving excellent backup service to the city, at the most affordable rates. A central control room monitors the movement of these ambulances and a helpline number is available round the clock."