Two swanky trains like the one used by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway will replace the old toy train at Patna zoo.
The existing toy train at the zoo is 11 years old and lying defunct since January.
"We are going to start the bidding process for procuring engines and bogies to run two new toy trains. These will be equipped with modern facilities as provided by Darjeeling Himalayan Railway," said Patna zoo director Nand Kishore.
The master plan for Patna zoo (2012-2032) envisages running of two toy trains. It also envisages that the tracks pass in front of the enclosures. At present they pass from behind several enclosures.
The zoo director said the existing tracks will undergo an overhaul. "New concrete sleepers will be put for operation of new toy trains. It might be 6-8 months before the new trains are operated," said Nand Kishore.
Sources said plans are afoot to change the course of the track on the western corner of the zoo around the new lake as most incidents of derailment of the toy train occur in that area.
The toy train having four bogies at Patna zoo was inaugurated on October 2, 2004 by then railways minister Lalu Prasad. The length of the toy train is 4,368m and it passes along the animal enclosures, two lakes and the botanical area. Charges for a ride are Rs 10 for children and Rs 15 for adults.
The train was out of order for over a year since October 2014 after it got derailed in the zoo's western corner. Operations resumed in December 2015 after its wheels and seats were changed and tracks repaired with help from the East Central Railway.
Residents are delighted. "A ride on the toy train is a must for me whenever I visit the zoo. I cherish memories of rides on the toy train," said Veena Upadhaya, an undergraduate student.
Ghorakatora service
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) is working on plans to run a toy train between the lower station of the aerial ropeway at Ratnagiri hills in Rajgir, atop which the Vishwa Shanti Stupa is situated.
"At present, people travel from Ratnagiri hills to Ghora Katora lake on horse-driven tongas. To provide similar eco-friendly amusement-oriented mode of transportation on this route, we have proposed to start a toy train service. The train is proposed to be battery-operated in order to conserve the greens," said a BSTDC official.
