Vanrani mini train draws hundreds of riders at SGNP, earns Rs 40K in ticket sales

Malad resident Darshan Doshi and his family pose in front of the closed Vanrani model. PICS/SARTHAK MEHTA

The newly inaugurated mini train service at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) earned upwards of '40,000 in ticket sales from nearly 500 visitors on Sunday. Rides were free on Saturday, when the train was inaugurated by MP Piyush Goyal.

A park official stated that the current footfall was on the lower side as the exam season was on. "We are expecting a significant surge in the coming days," the official said. SGNP visitors can board either of the two Vanrani trains for a 2.5 km ride from the Krishnagiri station from 9 am to 5 pm, excluding a lunch break from 1 pm to 1.30 pm.

Visitors speak
Darshan Doshi, Malad resident

‘I am visiting with my family. It was a great experience for the kids and even for me. The jungle ride was refreshing. We had to shell out close to '250 per person for this experience, including the entry fee, train ticket fee and the parking. The only suggestion I have is regarding the parking fee, it should be much lower, like before'

Sandeep Reddy

Andheri resident Sandeep Reddy and his family

‘I liked the ride but found it shorter for the money paid. We are just a couple, so it didn't burn a hole in our pockets, but for a large, middle-class family, I think the experience will be on the expensive side'

Linesh Fanse

‘The parking fee has increased a lot, around '80 for two-wheelers and '300 for four-wheelers'

Train facts

The Vanrani train in motion

The two mini trains can accommodate 160 passengers for two to three rides every hour for 7.5 hours a day; that's a potential of at least 2400 tickets per day. Current numbers show that only 20 percent of those tickets are sold out.

Cost of mini train tickets

Rs 98 per adult
Rs 37 per child

Entry fee levied at park's entry gate

Rs 113 per adult
Rs 61 per child