The iconic toy train 'Van Rani' in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the green lungs of Mumbai, is set to make a comeback next year.
Van Rani (Queen of the Jungle) passes through a recreational area of 5.5 square kilometers in a small area of SGNP and was extremely popular among tourists. In May 2021, when Cyclone Tauktae passed through Mumbai, the track was heavily damaged.
Following this, the Maharashtra Forest Department approved a proposal to replace the earlier diesel-powered mini trains with battery trains at a cost of INR 40 crore. Renovation work has started and new tracks will be laid soon.
The entire restoration work is expected to be completed by mid-2025. For this, Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) will assist them.
G Mallikarjuna, director and chief conservator of forest, SGNP, said the project has already made remarkable progress. The old tracks and sleepers on the original route of the train have been removed and the civil work will start soon. After completion, new tracks will be installed, and the improved Forest Queen will once again be ready to delight tourists.
"The removal of old tracks and sleepers has been completed. The civil work will start soon, and the project will be completed by August 2025. After that, the toy train service will be available for tourists visiting SGNP," Mallikarjuna told Mid-Day in an interview.
Unlike its earlier diesel-powered version, the restored Van Rani will be electric, offering a more eco-friendly option.
This area where it runs also features a mini zoo, where visitors can observe animals and birds and vegetation. It is also a popular photography and selfie location.
an upgrade from its original three, enhancing the overall capacity.
In addition, stations on the route and artificial tunnels running alongside the tracks will be renovated as part of the restoration.
Forest Queen Toy Train
First introduced in 1970, the toy train has become a central attraction at SGNP, especially for children. It traversed a 2.7 km stretch, passing through lush forests and artificial tunnels, which offered a glimpse of the animals, birds and rich flora of the park. A song from the classic Bollywood film Amar Akbar Anthony features a glimpse of the forest queen.
It is hoped that the number of visitors to the park will increase once the service resumes. Coming back, Van Rani will continue to deliver thrilling experiences.
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