Refurbished Mumbai Toy Train Resumes Service, Offering Spectacular Vistadome Views
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a unique urban national park in Mumbai, is set to offer a new attraction by the end of September 2022. The Van Rani miniature train, a popular attraction that had been out of service, is set to return, offering passengers an exciting journey through the park's rich biodiversity.
The Van Rani operates within the Krishnagiri Upavan, a 5.5 sq km public recreation zone within the park. The train's 2.7-kilometer narrow-gauge track winds through the park, providing passengers with scenic views and opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat.
The new version of the Van Rani is battery-operated and features four Vistadome carriages, each with glass roofs and large windows, offering panoramic views of the Deer Park and interpretive wildlife panels. The train's route has also been significantly improved, with a complete rebuild of the 2.3 km track and the addition of 15 bridges along the route.
The park, which holds significant historical value, is home to the Kanheri Caves, a complex of ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 1st century BC. Evidence suggests that these caves were once used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls, monasteries, and dwellings. The region's historical importance predates even the Kanheri Caves, with evidence of ancient trade routes passing through these forests as far back as the 4th century BC.
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an important ecological reserve, sheltering over 270 species of birds and more than 30 species of mammals. The park's biodiversity includes various wildlife such as leopards, reptiles, butterflies, and a wide variety of plant species.
The project, which has cost over 43 crore rupees, includes not only the new battery-operated train but also civil works such as the construction of the Krishnagiri Station building, platform, and accessibility ramps. Some stations like Krishnagiri and Teenmurthy have been upgraded with better platforms and improved accessibility. The technical inspection and a passenger trial run were successfully completed in July 2022.
Ticket booking details have not yet been officially announced, and it is recommended to check the official Sanjay Gandhi National Park website or contact the park's visitor center for the latest updates. The Van Rani is expected to be operational by the end of September 2022, offering visitors a unique and educational experience within the park.
Read also:
- Annual assembly of Miduty's Wonder Women concludes in Gurugram for the year 2025
- Contemporary Debates in the Execution and Implementation of Skilled Medical Professionals
- Replenishing the Earth's Soil Through the Use of Legume Plants
- The renowned Growatt Noah 2000 solar inverter has returned, boasting an astronomical price tag.
