Patna: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Danapur Railway Division to restart the toy train service at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna zoo, on Saturday.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister Dr. Prem Kumar, Secretary Bandana Preyashi, PCCF Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Director of Patna Zoo Hemant Patil, Divisional Railway Manager Jayant Kumar Chaudhary, and Additional Divisional Railway Manager Anupam Kumar Chandan, along with other officials.
The toy train, popularly known as Shishu Rail, was first introduced in 1977 with the support of Indian Railways and Tata Group. Initially, it had a 1.59 km track and was a major attraction for children and tourists. In 2004, a new Shishu Rail with four coaches and an extended track of 4.26 km was introduced. However, due to frequent technical issues, operations were stopped in August 2015 for safety reasons, leaving visitors disappointed.
The decision to restart the toy train was taken to enhance the experience for children, elderly, and disabled visitors. Following high-level discussions, the Danapur Railway Division was tasked with the project. Railways submitted a revised estimate of Rs 988.6 lakh in 2023-24, which was approved in the cabinet meeting on August 6, 2024. The work will now proceed following the signing of the MoU.
The new toy train will feature eco-friendly, battery-operated engines and four coaches with a seating capacity of 20-30 passengers each. The 3.7 km track will pass through various enclosures, including Rhino Halt, Jungle Trail, and Aquarium Halt, offering an exciting and unique experience for visitors.
Patna Zoo Director Hemant Patil expressed gratitude to all involved and emphasized that this initiative not only promotes recreation but also aligns with environmental conservation efforts. This revamped service is expected to become a highlight for tourists visiting the zoo.
