New initiatives are being launched in Sanjay Gandhi National Park to attract tourists and nature lovers, along with providing them with easy facilities. Under this, the Sugandh Vriksha Garden will be expanded. Also, the lion safari, equipped with modern facilities, will be opened to the public by the end of November, and the park administration intends to launch the mini train, a special attraction for tourists, by December. Also, discussions are underway with the Chandrapur Park administration regarding bringing another male tiger for the park's tiger safari.
Various reconstruction projects are underway in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The park is expanding its orchidarium and aromatic garden, which includes a variety of aromatic and flowering plants. At the same time, work is also underway to reconstruct the Gandhi Smriti Temple and a detailed plan has been prepared for it. Online ticketing facilities have also been made available so that tourists do not have to stand in long queues to enter the park. Ten battery-powered e-vehicles have been in operation since October from the main entrance to Kanheri Cave. However, now another 20 e-vehicles will be added within a month.
In addition to the 6 e-buses already in operation to improve internal travel within the park, nine more buses will soon be launched. It has also been decided to increase the number of bicycles by 500. The electric mini train, a special attraction in the park, is undergoing renovation. Its work is in its final stages and the mini train will be launched for tourist service by the end of December. To expedite all these projects, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry and North Mumbai MP Piyush Goyal had held regular meetings with the park administration.
The lion safari in the park is being renovated with improved cages for the animals, attractive viewing areas for tourists, and modern facilities. This work is being done by the Public Works Department. The lion safari will be opened to the public by the end of November. Also, the tiger safari currently has 10 tigers (two males, five females and three cubs). Discussions are underway with the Chandrapur Park administration to bring in another male tiger to add to this attraction.
In the backdrop of these development works in the park, MP Goyal has instructed the park administration to carry out special awareness campaigns. This will allow tourists and locals to experience the newly-developed park. The renovation of the grand entrance to the park is currently underway at a rapid pace and will be completed soon. Goyal informed that MHADA is fulfilling this responsibility, while the Public Works Department is carrying out the beautification work.