It’s finally BACK! The famous Van Rani toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the “Queen of the Jungle,” is back and ready to roll! After being shut down due to significant damage from Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, this quaint train service has finally reopened its doors to visitors. The train began operating in the 1970s and was on a four-year break, but it’s now back in service.
The grand reopening took place on Saturday, March 14th, with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal leading the way, along with other prominent figures, including Ganesh Naik, Maharashtra’s Forest Minister.
The restoration of the Van Rani Toy Train cost over INR 43 crore and now features a battery-powered system, making it a greener option for ecotourism.
सफारी का मज़ा अब होगा दोगुना!🚂
आज महाराष्ट्र सरकार में वन मंत्री @NaikSpeaks जी के साथ संजय गांधी नेशनल पार्क में ‘वनराणी मिनी ट्रेन’ के नवीनीकरण एवं शुभारंभ करने का अवसर मिला।
नई ऊर्जा-सक्षम, पर्यावरण-अनुकूल बैटरी आधारित इंजन, आधुनिक कोचों का समावेश तथा पूरे मार्ग पर… pic.twitter.com/zk8ZSgmXy4
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 14, 2026
Van Rani Toy Train Has 3 Vistadome Coaches And 5 Regular Coaches
While boarding the train, one can look forward to impressive views through new vistadome coaches, enhancing their experience. The train can comfortably seat 70 to 80 passengers, and officials believe this service will also help increase the park’s revenue.
You must also know that the train has eight coaches, three of which are vista-dome coaches that offer a 180-degree view of the surrounding scenery. The other five coaches offer open seating.
When we talk about the views and route, the scenic route stretches through Krishnagiri Upavan, a 5.5 sq km recreation area within Sanjay Gandhi National Park. At the same time, the core forest remains protected for wildlife. This area also features a mini-zoo where guests can see animals up close. The train will glide along a narrow-gauge track, offering thrilling views of biodiversity spots and engaging features like artificial tunnels.
The newly designed Krishnagiri station is inspired by a butterfly, symbolizing nature’s beauty. It offers amenities such as waiting areas and ticket counters. The toy train runs every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with a minimum of 20 passengers required for each trip. Ticket pricing for the same is INR 98 for adults and INR 37 for children. Tickets can be purchased online and offline.
