Van Rani Toy Train Resumes At SGNP In Mumbai With Modern Coaches & Glass Roofs

Tourists visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai can once again ride the Van Rani toy train! The train was inaugurated recently by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, after being suspended for nearly four years. Here’s everything you need to know about the new features on the restored toy train.

Van Rani Toy Train Resumes In Mumbai 

Visitors can once again enjoy a scenic ride through Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. The Van Rani toy train, which was suspended earlier, has now resumed operations. According to a report by Mid-Day, the train was inaugurated recently by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, along with Ganesh Naik, Forest Minister of Maharashtra.

This newly inaugurated toy train is battery-operated, making it environmentally friendly. Van Rani has four coaches that can easily accommodate around 70-80 passengers at once. Visitors will get to enjoy panoramic views of the park through the train’s vistadome-style coaches. According to The Free Press Journal, the train coaches are adorned with wildlife illustrations native to SGNP, which will make the ride educational as well. The train has glass roofs and large windows. A visitor sitting inside will be able to see the forest around them clearly.

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Trains Will Run Every 30 Minutes 

Each train will operate on a narrow-gauge track winding through the 5.5 sq km Krishnagiri Upvan area. It will pass local biodiversity spots, a mini zoo, and also artificial tunnels that will add a thrill to the ride. The Krishnagiri station is also being designed like a butterfly, symbolising nature. It will have a waiting room, ticket counters, and other facilities as well.

According to Mid-Day, the Van Rani toy train service first began in 1970 and originally operated on a diesel engine. It was one of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park and offered amazing views of its lush forest. However, the service was suspended in May 2021 after the train suffered damage during Cyclone Tauktae. Authorities have now spent over ₹43 crore on its restoration and development.

Rail India and Economic Service carried out track laying, development of new stations, and other infrastructure work. The train is expected to attract more visitors and also generate revenue for SGNP. Once the Van Rani toy train becomes fully operational, it will run every 30 minutes between 9 am and 12 pm, and again between 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

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So, this is amazing news, right? The much-loved Van Rani toy train is back at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai!

Cover Image Courtesy: @PiyushGoyal/X