LUCKNOW, Dec. 29 -- The Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Vasant Kunj area was opened to visitors on Monday afternoon, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the memorial on December 25 to mark former PM Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth anniversary.

Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) officials said the decision came after continuous public demand and large gatherings outside the gates since the inauguration day.

"People had been coming continuously since the inauguration, asking for entry. Although cleaning and finishing work is still underway, we decided to allow limited access," said an LDA official, requesting anonymity.

Currently, visitors can access only the open grounds and statue area. The museum and other sections ...