Mumbai’s beloved “Van Rani” toy train is set to resume operations at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban recreation. After a hiatus due to cyclone damage, the new battery-powered Vistadome train promises an enhanced, eco-friendly experience for families and nature enthusiasts. This revival not only boosts tourism but also reinforces the city’s commitment to green initiatives, offering a unique blend of entertainment and environmental education within its vital green lung.
The return of this iconic train follows a period of extensive renovation, necessitated by severe damage incurred during a major cyclone in 2021. The new iteration, a modern Vistadome model, has undergone rigorous trial runs and boasts transparent roofs and expansive glass windows, meticulously designed to offer passengers immersive views of the park’s lush biodiversity. This upgrade represents a strategic investment in urban leisure infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience while aligning with contemporary ecological standards. A key feature of the revamped “Van Rani” is its pivotal shift to battery power, a significant departure from its predecessor’s diesel engine.
This transition unequivocally underscores a clear commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with recreational activities within the park, contributing directly to Mumbai’s broader environmental goals. The four-coach train, a substantial upgrade from the original three, can now accommodate approximately 80 passengers, ensuring greater accessibility for the surging number of visitors, particularly during the monsoon season. The train’s designated route, spanning 5.5 square kilometres through the Krishna Giri sub-forest, offers a unique opportunity for profound environmental engagement. Coaches adorned with vibrant illustrations of the park’s diverse wildlife and indigenous flora provide an inherent educational dimension to the journey, fostering heightened awareness about biodiversity and promoting eco-conscious living among all age groups. This initiative transforms a simple recreational ride into a dynamic platform for learning, cultivating a deeper connection with nature and instilling a profound sense of environmental responsibility.
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Beyond its immediate recreational value, the “Van Rani” symbolises sustainable and inclusive tourism, meticulously designed to cater to a broad demographic. Its much-anticipated revival addresses a long-standing public demand, particularly from nature enthusiasts and children, providing renewed and equitable access to Mumbai’s invaluable green landscape. The forthcoming introduction of a second train, featuring completely open coaches, further promises an unparalleled immersion in nature, cementing the park’s status as a premier eco-tourism destination and a vital component of a truly equitable urban environment. This project exemplifies how strategic urban development can harmonise effectively with ecological preservation, creating spaces that profoundly benefit both citizens and the environment.
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