New Delhi: Van Rani or Queen of the Forest – the iconic toy train – at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali is back to ruffle the childhood memories with its heritage ride that once covered a 5.5 sq km area of Krishnagiri Upvan. Not only Mumbaikars but all the nature lovers and other visitors are very delighted about its return as it has occupied a special place in their hearts since its launch in 1970. The tiny train has been out of service since 2021, when its narrow-gauge tracks were destroyed during Cyclone Tauktae.
However, this nostalgic and eco-friendly train with 80 seats for passengers has come up in a new avatar with many amazing features. Now, it is running on electricity in place of diesel, bringing it in tune with the park’s green ethics. Whether as an old visitor or a new traveller, either way it will be wonderful to revisit the childhood nostalgia. So, let’s know about its features here.
New features of Van Rani
Van Rani’s new features will add to the rider’s experience as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, covering approximately 20 per cent of Mumbai’s geographical area, has several key attractions like Kanheri caves, staggering 1,300 species of flora and 500-plus species of fauna, two artificial lakes, mini zoo. Let’s find out more about the train’s features.
1. Vistadome coaches for green view
The Vistadome coaches of the toy train provide panoramic views of the lush green forest and its inhabitants.
2. Open seating coaches
There are open seating coaches for a traditional experience that the riders enjoyed earlier.
3. Better frequency
Van Rani operates every 30 minutes, alternating between the two types of coaches.
4. Eco-friendly train
The toy train is running on electricity in place of diesel, making it more eco-friendly and in tune with nature.
5. Enhanced capacity
The new trains got four bogies, an upgrade from the previous three, increasing their overall capacity. The train has 80 seats for passengers. The minimum passenger requirement has been retained at 20 per tour, maintaining a little bit of the train’s original charm.
6. Refurbished infrastructure
As part of the restoration project, the stations along the route and the artificial tunnel are refurbished.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
If you want respite from the city’s chaos and buzz, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an ideal location for weekend getaways, relaxation and picnics. Let’s read here more about why it’s so popular.
1. Mini zoo
Sanjay Gandhi Park’s 5.5 sq km stretch offers glimpses of the mini zoo where one can see deer, monkeys, birds, and other native wildlife. The green biodiversity area also provides glimpses of butterflies.
2. Kanheri caves
Kanheri caves, more than 2,000 years old, are a major tourist spot inside the park area. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs.
3. Among Asia’s most visited parks
Spreading up to 104 square kilometres, it is one of Asia’s most visited national parks with 2 million plus visitors annually.
4. Two artificial lakes
The park is adorned with two artificial lakes with crocodiles and migratory birds all year. The lakes supply drinking water to the city.
Take your children, family or friends to this revamped park, earlier known as the Borivali National Park, to relive the magic of nostalgia in a new light with the upgraded safety and comfort.