September 19, 2025: The much-loved Van Rani, the miniature toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), is set to return to service by the end of September after being off the tracks for more than four years. Introduced in 1970, the train was one of the park’s most popular attractions until May 2021, when Cyclone Tauktae caused severe damage to its coaches and tracks.
This time, the service is being relaunched in a new avatar. The Maharashtra Forest Department has invested in a battery-operated train equipped with four vistadome coaches, replacing the earlier diesel-powered locomotive and three-coach set-up. The upgrade will not only offer panoramic views of the lush park but also increase seating capacity, enhancing both visitor experience and revenue potential.
Officials confirmed that technical inspections and trial runs with passengers were successfully completed in July. “Most of the work has been completed, and we are confident the train will resume by the end of this month,” a department official told Mid-day. The project, overseen by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), has involved an investment of over Rs 43 crore, covering the new train as well as civil works, including stations and tracks.
The 2.7-kilometre narrow-gauge route meanders through a 5.5 sq km area of SGNP known as Krishnagiri Upavan, designated as a public recreation zone. The journey offers glimpses of the park’s rich biodiversity and passes by a mini-zoo, giving visitors a chance to spot animals up close.
SGNP, spread over 100 sq km, is among Asia’s most visited national parks located within city limits. Officials expect the relaunch of Van Rani to attract not just Mumbai residents but also domestic and international tourists. For many, the toy train remains a nostalgic part of the park’s charm, making its revival a significant moment in the city’s recreational landscape.
Source: The Free Press Journal
