A picture of Van Rani.
Credit: SGNP website
Mumbai: 'Van Rani', the iconic toy train of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the green lung of Mumbai, would start running again.
The yellow-coloured jungle-themed Van Rani (Queen of the Forest) passes through the 5.5 sq km recreation zone in a small stretch of the SGNP and was hugely popular among the tourists.
In May 2021, when the Tauktae cyclone passed by Mumbai, the tracks were badly damaged.
After that the Maharashtra Forest Department finalised a proposal to replace the mini train, which earlier ran on diesel, with a battery train at a cost of Rs 40 crore.
The restoration work has started, and new tracks would be laid. The entire work is expected to be completed by the mid-2025.
The train, which runs on a 2.7 km-long stretch, also goes through an artificial tunnel.
The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) will help in the restoration works.
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.