Patna: Visitors to parks across Bihar, including Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna zoo, will have to pay higher entry fees from April 1 following a revision announced by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The decision, which impacts entry, boating, and morning walk passes, will see ticket prices surge for both adults and children.
The Patna Zoo, a popular destination for families and students, has seen a significant hike in entry fees. Adults will now pay Rs 50 instead of Rs 30, while the charge for children has doubled from Rs 10 to Rs 20. Similarly, the boating fee and children’s park entry have also been increased. The morning walk pass, an essential for many regular visitors, has seen a sharp price revision as well.
Changes in Entry and Boating Fees Across Parks
The Rajdhani Vatika, popularly known as Eco Park, another major green space in the capital, has retained its previous entry fee of Rs 20 per adult and Rs 10 per child. However, the cost of boating has gone up, and the duration has been reduced. Previously, visitors could enjoy a 45-minute boating session, but now the time has been cut to 30 minutes on regular days and just 20 minutes on Sundays and holidays.
Across other parks in Patna, entry charges have increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10, and many newly developed parks will now impose an entry fee of Rs 5 for the first time.
Revised Fee Structure for Patna Zoo and Rajdhani Vatika
Patna Zoo (Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park)
- Entry Fees:
- Adults: Rs 50 (up from Rs 30)
- Children: Rs 20 (up from Rs 10)
- Student Groups (10+ school students): Rs 10 (up from Rs 5)
- Student Groups (10+ college students): Rs 30 (up from Rs 5)
- Special Days (January 1):
- Adult: Rs 150 (up from Rs 100)
- Infant: Rs 60 (up from Rs 50)
- Additional Attractions:
- Shishu Park: Rs 10 (up from Rs 5)
- Aquarium:
- Children: Rs 10 (up from Rs 5)
- Adults: Rs 20 (up from Rs 10)
- Boating Charges:
- Two-seater boat: Rs 100 (up from Rs 80)
- Four-seater boat: Rs 120 (up from Rs 100)
Morning Walk Passes
- Quarterly: Rs 1,500 (up from Rs 1,000)
- Half-yearly: Rs 2,000 (up from Rs 1,600)
- Annual: No increase
Senior Citizen Passes
- Quarterly: Rs 700 (up from Rs 500)
- Half-yearly: Rs 1,000 (up from Rs 800)
- Annual: Rs 1,500 (up from Rs 1,200)
Rajdhani Vatika Boating Fees
- Paddle Boat (30 mins, 2-seater): Rs 100 (up from Rs 80)
- Paddle Boat (30 mins, 4-seater): Rs 150 (up from Rs 100)
- Shikara Ride (30 mins, 4-seater): Rs 300 (up from Rs 200)
Public Reaction to the Fee Hike
The move to increase entry and activity charges has drawn mixed reactions. While authorities argue that the price revision is necessary for better park maintenance and facility upgrades, frequent visitors—especially morning walkers and families—express concern over the rising costs.
The higher boating charges and reduced duration have particularly raised eyebrows among visitors to Rajdhani Vatika, where many feel that the shortened ride time does not justify the price hike.
Officials maintain that the revised rates align with improving infrastructure and conservation efforts. However, with inflationary pressures and growing urban populations, the question remains: will these price hikes make public parks less accessible for everyday citizens?
