The iconic Van Rani, a mini train that was once one of Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s (SGNP) biggest attractions, will be up and running by the end of the month if everything goes according to plan. The service, which was started in 1970, has been non-operational since May 2021 after the toy train sustained significant damage when Cyclone Tauktae struck the city.

The train, comprising a diesel locomotive and three bogies, was operated along a 2.7-km stretch. Its replacement is battery-operated and has four bogies, while tourists will enjoy the view of the park through vistadome coaches. The technical verification process and trial run with passengers were completed in July this year.