Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali has sharply revised its visitor tariffs, with the annual pass for morning walkers now set at Rs 10,000, up from Rs 348 previously. The new rates, effective from May 2026, follow an official circular issued by the park's forest department authorities citing administrative updates and operational requirements.
The revised tariff structure extends beyond morning walk passes. A monthly pass for regular walkers will now cost Rs 1,000, while senior citizens will pay Rs 500 per month or Rs 5,000 for an annual pass. Fees for in-park attractions have also been revised significantly, with lion and tiger safari tickets increasing from Rs 250 to Rs 750 for adults and from Rs 125 to Rs 375 for children. Mini train rides have gone up from Rs 100 to Rs 300, and bus tickets from the park entrance to the Kanheri Caves have risen from Rs 100 to Rs 300.
The hike has drawn sharp criticism from residents and citizens' groups. Athletes training for long-distance running also use the six-kilometre stretch from the park entrance on the Western Express Highway to the Kanheri Caves. Park authorities stated that the revised pricing aligns with broader efforts to enhance visitor experience, improve amenities and support conservation initiatives.
Borivali resident and regular walker Gopal Zaveri said, "I thought it was a joke until I saw the circular," adding that the park lacked adequate toilet facilities and sufficient guards. The Deputy Conservator of Forests (SGNP), Anita Patil, was unavailable for comment on May 1, 2026. Former Deputy Conservator of Forests Anwar Jamal Ahmed recalled that the annual morning walk fee was approximately Rs 60 during his tenure, noting that Mumbai was blessed with SGNP as the lungs of a congested and densely populated city.
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