Bengaluru’s landmark Cubbon Park, one of the city’s most popular green spaces, could have a major shift in its visitor policy as a proposal to introduce an entry fee moves forward. The Karnataka Horticulture Department is said to be considering charging visitors to enter the huge park now that footfall is increasing, as well as the cost of maintaining it.
Cubbon Park has been open for a long time without charge to the public and is a popular place for residents, walkers, families, tourists, and fitness enthusiasts. But the increasing number of visitors, particularly during weekends and holidays, has put additional pressure on the park’s infrastructure and maintenance systems.
According to the senior-level proposal, introducing an entry fee could also generate additional revenue for the department. Cleanliness, security, landscaping and other maintenance activities could be supported by the money collected.
When the Footfall Grows, Park Management Puts Pressure on
The total area is about 300 acres in the heart of Bengaluru, and Cubbon Park draws huge crowds during the week. The park can be so crowded on weekends.
The growing footfall also means more demand for waste management, sanitation, security arrangements, landscaping and general upkeep. A big urban park with an ever-growing number of visitors needs to be maintained; managers, equipment and infrastructure need to be paid for.
The Horticulture Department is currently considering whether entry fees can be a sustainable source of revenue to cover some of these expenses.
The discussion comes at the same time as the public spaces of Bengaluru are at a higher level of concern. The city's population and visitor numbers are increasing, and public parks are being increasingly used, creating a challenge for the authorities who must maintain them.
Entry Fee Could Generate Revenue
One of the major arguments behind the proposed plan is that a small entry charge might reduce the financial burden on the department. The revenue collected from visitors could be directed towards maintenance activities, subject to the final policy and government decisions.
Officials would also like to know if the park could have a fee to be charged, and maybe an entry fee would help manage the increase in visitors and provide more resources for the park.
However, the proposal is still in the discussion stage. At the time of writing, no final decision about the amount of the proposed fee, the date of implementation, or the categories of visitors who could be exempt has been made, according to the information available.
If the plan is approved, that would be a radical change for regular visitors to Cubbon Park who have come to Cubbon Park often free of charge.
Similar to Lalbagh Entry Model?
The proposed plan is related to Lalbagh Botanical Garden, another major green landmark in Bengaluru where visitors must pay an entry fee.
Lalbagh and Cubbon Park serve somewhat different purposes, but both are among the city’s most iconic green spaces. So the possibility of introducing a similar revenue model at Cubbon Park has attracted the attention of residents and park users.
The authorities may need to consider many aspects before implementing such a system, including the fee amount, collection mechanism, access for morning walkers and regular visitors, exemptions, and the use of revenue generated through ticket sales.
What Happens Next?
For now, the entry fee proposal is under consideration by senior officials in the Horticulture Department. A formal announcement would be needed before any fee can be imposed on visitors.
The department will determine the financial burden of maintaining Cubbon Park and whether an entry charge would be an appropriate way to generate more resources.
The issue is important to Bengaluru residents as Cubbon Park is not just an attraction for tourists, but also an important public recreational space used by thousands of people for walking, exercise, relaxation and family outings.
The reality of the proposed entry fee will depend on how discussions play out and whether the government will adopt the proposal. Until an official order is issued, visitors will continue to see reports about a possible fee as a proposal, rather than a confirmed change to the park’s entry rules.
