'Bicycle highway' from Taj to Etawah lion safari approved

LUCKNOW: An over 197-km long 'bicycle highway' will be developed from Taj Mahal in Agra to the lion safari in Etawah to encourage eco-tourism in the vicinity of historical and tourist places.

A meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, yesterday approved the 'bicycle highway' which will not only run along the Agra-Etawah main road but will also cover various historical and tourism centres, an official spokesman said.

Starting from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal, it will cover areas such as Raja Bhoj ki Haveli, Bateshwarnath Temple, Mela Kothi Jarar, Naugava ka Quila and rural areas to reach the lion safari in Etawah, he said.

The state Cabinet also approved the construction cost for an international cricket stadium in Saifai, the native town of SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to the implementation of Prime Minister Crop Insurance scheme from the Kharif season 2016.

A new bus station would be constructed at Kaiserbagh in the state capital, the spokesman said.