Nearly six months after the redevelopment of the historic Tripureswari Temple at Matabari, devotees and local residents have raised concerns about the lack of basic facilities for pilgrims. Many visitors, particularly senior citizens and divyang (differently-abled) devotees, say the temple complex still lacks essential accessibility services.
The temple is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths in India and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Authorities redeveloped the site under the PRASHAD Scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
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Redevelopment Project and Inauguration
The redevelopment project cost around Rs 51–52 crore. The initiative aimed to improve infrastructure and enhance the pilgrimage experience for visitors.
Narendra Modi inaugurated the project on September 22, 2025. Officials expected the upgraded complex to boost religious tourism in Tripura and make the temple more visitor-friendly.
The project included a modern prasad counter, cloakroom facilities, shoe deposit areas, a meditation centre and improved queue management systems. Authorities also planned the redevelopment to provide better convenience for pilgrims visiting the shrine.
Devotees Highlight Accessibility Issues
Despite the large investment, several devotees say that the current situation does not meet the expectations created during the inauguration.
One major concern involves the lack of accessible facilities for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. Many senior citizens struggle to move around the temple premises due to limited mobility support.
Although the project installed lifts in the temple complex, several local residents claim that the lifts remain non-operational. As a result, elderly pilgrims must climb steep staircases to reach the temple.
Devotees say the steps are difficult for older visitors to navigate safely, especially during busy hours when large crowds gather at the shrine.
Absence of Wheelchair Services
Visitors have also raised concerns about the absence of wheelchair services at the temple complex. Pilgrims say the authorities have not introduced wheelchairs or assisted mobility services for elderly and differently-abled devotees.
Such facilities are commonly available at many major pilgrimage centres across India. However, devotees claim that similar arrangements have not yet been introduced at Matabari.
Residents believe that proper planning and implementation of these services would make the temple complex far more accessible for people with mobility challenges.
Market Complex for Vendors Remains Closed
Another issue affecting the area involves the market complex built under the redevelopment project. Authorities constructed around 86 stalls for small vendors near the temple premises.
The stalls were meant to relocate roadside vendors into an organised commercial space. However, the market complex remains closed even months after the project’s inauguration.
Local sources say disputes over stall allotment and administrative delays have prevented authorities from opening the shops. As a result, many small traders continue to operate outside the complex.
Several vendors say they remain uncertain about when the authorities will allow them to start operating from the new stalls.
Practical Problems Faced by Pilgrims
Pilgrims have also reported practical difficulties around the temple premises. During hot afternoons, the stone pavement near the shrine becomes extremely hot.
Since devotees traditionally walk barefoot inside temple areas, the heated surface makes it uncomfortable to walk. Some visitors say the problem becomes particularly difficult during peak summer days.
Calls for Better Management
The situation has raised broader concerns among residents and observers regarding the implementation of the redevelopment project.
Critics argue that while authorities focused on beautification and structural improvements, they may have overlooked several basic accessibility facilities. These include operational lifts, wheelchair services and mobility support for elderly pilgrims.
Many residents believe that proper management and functioning facilities could significantly improve the pilgrimage experience.
As one of the most important religious destinations in Tripura, the Tripureswari Temple continues to attract devotees from across the country. Local residents say that with better planning and effective management, the redevelopment project can still achieve its goal of enhancing tourism and providing a more comfortable experience for pilgrims.
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