The second road named after the father of the nation was inaugurated in the evening by divisional commissioner Amrit Abhijat at the collectorate. The new road will be called Mahatma Gandhi Road-Two.

 Abhijat said the traffic pressure on the existing MG Road, the life line of the city, would be considerably eased, as vehicles heading for Delhi from Uttar Pradesh's Taj city would now be using the alternative MG Road-two.

 The new MG Road branches off from the collectorate, takes a circuitous route and connects directly to the national highway to Delhi via Shastripuram overbridge.

 For months the authorities in Agra struggled to find a solution to traffic jams which leave visitors fuming. Former president APJ Abdul Kalam and a Miss Universe beauty were also caught in jams in recent times.

 "With vehicle numbers increasing, the existing road network in the city are no longer able to cope with the pressure. Alternative routes have to be developed," an official said.

 The district authorities have launched a programme to popularise the new MG Road.

Hotels have been asked to brief tourists. Hotel association president Rakesh Chauhan said: "The tourists would now be able to save time and move out of Agra speedily."

Uttar Pradesh tourism department will shortly publish a map and a brochure highlighting the new road.

The Agra Development Authority has also put up signs pointing to the new road.

"It has taken two months to clear up encroachment and get the alternative route ready," an official said.