The iconic ‘Van Rani’ toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park has resumed operations with battery-powered engines and vistadome coaches, offering tourists an eco-friendly ride through the park’s scenic landscape
Mini train at SGNP
Tourists visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park now have a reason to rejoice, as the iconic toy train ‘Van Rani’ has resumed services, offering visitors a chance to once again enjoy a scenic ride through the park.
The much-loved attraction was inaugurated on Saturday by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, along with Ganesh Naik, Forest Minister of Maharashtra. Other dignitaries present at the launch included Ashish Shelar, minister of information technology and cultural affairs, and Pravin Darekar, chairman of the Self Group Redevelopment Authority.
The toy train service at the park, which first began in 1970, was originally operated by a diesel engine and soon became one of the biggest attractions for visitors, especially children. Running on a 2.7-km narrow-gauge track, the train with three bogies would take tourists through the scenic areas of the park, offering glimpses of its lush surroundings.
However, the service had remained suspended since May 2021 after the train and its infrastructure suffered significant damage during Cyclone Tauktae. The restoration and redevelopment project has now been completed at a cost of over Rs 43 crore.
The newly introduced train is battery-operated, making it more environmentally friendly. Tourists will also get to enjoy panoramic views of the park through vistadome coaches, enhancing the overall ride experience. The three coaches can accommodate around 70 to 80 passengers, and officials believe the service will also boost the park’s revenue.
The track-laying, development of new stations, and related infrastructure work were carried out by the Rail India Technical and Economic Service. The service will operate on battery power, aligning with sustainable tourism practices within the park.
SGNP mini train runs through Krishnagiri Upavan
The toy train route runs through Krishnagiri Upavan, a 5.5 sq km recreational zone within the park that is easily accessible to visitors, while the core forest area remains restricted to protect wildlife. The zone also houses a mini-zoo, where visitors can observe animals from close quarters.
Often described as one of the most visited national parks within city limits in Asia, SGNP attracts not only people from Mumbai but also tourists from across India and abroad. The return of the ‘Van Rani’ toy train is expected to further enhance the park’s appeal as a major recreational destination.
When operational, the toy train runs every 30 minutes between 9 am and 12 pm and again from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Each trip requires a minimum of 20 passengers for departure.
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