At the initiative of the state government, district authorities in Agra have begun exploring the feasibility of a local metro rail project for the city. BSP legislator Dr. Dharam Pal Singh says the state government is keen that work on the project should begin at the earliest. Agra mayor Anjula Singh Mahaur has been a keen supporter of the estimated `1500 crore project which would ease traffic movement and help contain environmental pollution in Agra.

 Divisional commissioner Sudhir Bobde has had several rounds of talks with various departments and agencies to finalise a proposal for a metro rail connecting historical monuments, the railway stations and the airport.

 Demand for an elevated road, mono rail and a metro rail network has been hanging fire for so long, says president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.

"With steep rise in the number of vehicles, from just 40,000 in 1985 to more than six lakhs on Agra roads, the level of pollution has gone up. The city is perpetually traffic-jammed and tourists are avoiding visits to monuments other than the Taj," Sharma told Agratoday.in.

 Divisional commissioner Sudhir M Bobde has directed the Agra Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation, to undertake feasibility studies and submit reports.

Vice Chairman of ADA, Tanvir Zafar Ali told mediapersons that a consultant would soon be appointed and consultations with the Archaeological Survey of India and other concerned departments would be held.

Officials of the ASI, pollution board, transport, tourism and other departments were present at the meeting which finalized the proposal to be forwarded to the state government for clearance.