Rs.52-Crore Matabari Temple Redevelopment Faces Criticism Over Lack of Facilities for Elderly and Divyang Devotees

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 5, 2026

Nearly six months after the inauguration of the redeveloped Tripureswari Temple at Matabari in Udaipur, Tripura, concerns are mounting over the lack of basic facilities for pilgrims, especially senior citizens and divyang (differently-abled) devotees, despite a massive investment under a central government scheme.

The historic temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peeths in India, was redeveloped under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism. The project, completed at an estimated cost of Rs.51–Rs.52 crore, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22, 2025, with the objective of improving infrastructure and enhancing the pilgrimage experience.

The redevelopment project included several components such as a modern prasad counter, cloakroom facilities, a meditation centre, shoe deposit facilities and improved queue management systems intended to make the temple more visitor-friendly and promote religious tourism in Tripura.

However, visitors and local residents say the reality on the ground does not match the expectations created during the inauguration.

One of the most serious concerns raised by devotees is the absence of adequate facilities for senior citizens and divyang persons both inside and outside the temple complex. Despite the large investment on paper, many elderly devotees still struggle to access the temple premises.

Although lifts were installed as part of the project, locals claim that they are not operational, forcing elderly pilgrims to climb steep staircases to reach the temple. Many devotees say the stairways are quite steep and difficult for older people to navigate safely.

Adding to the concern, there is no wheelchair service available at the temple complex for elderly or differently-abled devotees. Visitors say that wheelchairs or assisted mobility services, which are commonly available at many major pilgrimage sites in India, are absent at Matabari.

Devotees and residents argue that if such facilities had been properly planned and implemented, the temple complex could have become significantly more accessible to people with mobility challenges.

Meanwhile, another issue affecting local livelihoods is the non-operational market complex built under the project. Nearly 86 stalls constructed for small vendors remain locked, even six months after the inauguration.

The stalls were meant to relocate roadside vendors into an organized commercial space, but disputes over stall allotment and administrative delays have reportedly prevented them from being opened. As a result, many small traders continue to operate outside the complex and remain uncertain about their future.

Pilgrims have also complained about practical inconveniences around the temple premises. During hot afternoons, the stone pavement near the temple becomes extremely hot, making it difficult for barefoot devotees to walk.

The situation has raised broader questions among residents and observers about the implementation of the redevelopment project.

Critics say that while the project focused on beautification and infrastructure expansion, basic accessibility facilities for elderly and divyang devotees, such as operational lifts, wheelchair services and mobility support, appear to have been overlooked or remain poorly implemented.

The Tripureswari Temple at Matabari is one of Tripura’s most important religious and tourism destinations, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country every year. Many residents believe that with proper management and functioning facilities, the redevelopment project could significantly enhance the experience of visitors.

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