What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna is set to relaunch its popular toy train as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Bihar Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Danapur Railway Division. The signing ceremony was held in the Zoo’s 3D hall and was graced by Minister Dr. Prem Kumar, Secretary Bandana Preyashi, PCCF (Hoff) Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Patna Zoo Director Hemant Patil, Divisional Railway Manager Jayant Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Divisional Railway Manager Anupam Kumar Chandan, and other officials.
The toy train was originally gifted to the Patna Zoo by the Indian Railways at the state government’s request and has been a cherished attraction since 1977. It included a narrow-gauge track and two coaches courtesy of the Tata Group. The train was running on a 1.59 km track and quickly became a favorite among visitors, especially children.
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The Railway Ministry provided a new toy train with four coaches in 2004 and extended the track to 4.26 km. The revamped train was inaugurated by the then Railway Minister and Bihar Chief Minister. Completing a tour in approximately 40 minutes, the ride offered scenic rides past various animal enclosures and natural attractions. Despite previous repairs in 2007-08, the operations of the toy train were halted in 2015 due to frequent derailments, and the decision to suspend the train’s operation was taken to ensure visitor safety.
The recent MOU marks a significant step towards reviving this beloved attraction. The department aims to provide a memorable experience for children, elderly visitors, and people with disabilities. Following high-level discussions, it was decided that the Danapur Railway Division would undertake the project. An initial estimate of Rs 8.13 crore was submitted by the Railway Division in the final month of the 2022-23 financial year, later revised to Rs 988.6 lakh and approved by the cabinet on August 6, 2024. The departmental approval was granted on August 7, 2024, and work on the toy train’s reoperation will commence soon.
The new toy train will feature a battery-operated eco-friendly engine and four coaches with a seating capacity of 20-30 tourists in each coach. The 3.7 km track will take passengers through various wildlife enclosures, including Rhino Halt, Jungle Trail, and Aquarium Halt, promising a unique and exciting experience. Patna Zoo Director Hemant Patil extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the project.
