Sanjay Gandhi National Park Morning Walk Charges Trigger Backlash as Annual Pass Touches Rs 10000
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Morning Walk Charges Trigger Backlash as Annual Pass Touches Rs 10000
Mumbai: Early morning routines for thousands of Mumbai residents are set to change as steep new charges at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali have sparked frustration among regular visitors. Known as one of the city’s most vital green spaces, the park has long been a preferred spot for walkers, joggers, and fitness enthusiasts. The newly announced fee structure, however, has left many questioning accessibility to this everyday escape.
Starting May 2026, visitors opting for the popular ‘prabhat pheri’ (morning walk access) will need to pay significantly higher fees. The annual pass has jumped dramatically from Rs 348 to Rs 10000, while a monthly option is now priced at Rs 1000. Senior citizens have been offered some relief, with passes set at Rs 500 per month or Rs 5000 annually.
These changes come as part of a broader revision issued through an official circular by park authorities. The updated pricing covers not just walking access but also multiple attractions and transport services within the park. Officials say the move is aimed at improving administration, managing crowds more efficiently, and supporting conservation efforts.
Several other costs inside the park have also increased sharply. Entry to the lion and tiger safari has risen from Rs 250 to Rs 750 for adults and from Rs 125 to Rs 375 for children. The mini train ride now costs Rs 300 instead of Rs 100, while bus travel from the entrance to the Kanheri Caves has gone up from Rs 100 to Rs 300.
For regular visitors like Borivali resident Ramesh Shah, the new pricing came as an unpleasant surprise. He remarked, “At first, I assumed the notice wasn’t real, but once I confirmed it, the hike felt extremely unreasonable.” With multiple members of his family using the park for daily walks, the revised charges feel excessive. He further added, “If several people in one household rely on the park, these fees quickly become too heavy. We’ve even contributed towards basic facilities, so it’s hard to understand such a steep increase.” He also pointed out ongoing concerns, saying, “There are still gaps in basic amenities like proper toilets, and security presence could be stronger despite occasional wildlife risks.”
Data from the environmental group Mumbai March suggests that between 3000 and 5000 people from nearby suburbs including Borivali, Kandivali, and Dahisar visit the park every morning between 5:30 am and 7:30 am. The six-kilometre stretch leading up to the Kanheri Caves is especially popular among long-distance runners and athletes. Visitors exceeding the designated time window may also face penalties.
Authorities, on their part, maintain that the revised tariffs are necessary. With SGNP attracting large crowds daily, officials say maintaining infrastructure, ensuring visitor safety, and preserving the ecological balance require sustained funding. They have indicated that improvements in amenities, enhanced safety measures, and stronger conservation awareness initiatives will accompany the new pricing.
Former Deputy Conservator of Forests Anwar Jamal Ahmed reflected on how drastically things have changed. During his tenure, the annual fee for morning walkers was around Rs 60. He emphasized the importance of SGNP as a natural lung for Mumbai, a city otherwise dominated by dense urban development.
