Nagpur: The iconic Vanbala Toy Train at Seminary Hills — a cherished childhood memory for generations of Nagpurians — has once again come to a standstill, prompting judicial intervention. The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue following a report in a local daily highlighting the train’s repeated breakdowns and administrative neglect.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas has treated the matter as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and appointed Advocate Gemini Kasat as amicus curiae to assist the court. The Bench has also directed him to file a detailed petition within four weeks, paving the way for remedial action to restore the defunct toy train service.
The Vanbala, which resumed operations in December 2023 after remaining closed for nearly seven years, has once again been halted due to track erosion and technical failures. Despite a ₹1.20 crore revival project sanctioned by the District Planning and Development Committee, the 1.9-km rail line and its worn-out sleepers were never replaced, rendering the tracks unsafe for operation.
Officials from the Forest Department acknowledged that the deteriorating infrastructure poses safety risks. A joint inspection with Central Railway has been proposed to assess whether a complete track overhaul is required.
The 2023 relaunch had been marked by public excitement, attended by the Divisional Railway Manager of Central Railway and PWD representatives, who upgraded the station and introduced adventure activities to boost tourism. However, barely two years later, the joyride has once again derailed — this time due to bureaucratic inertia and poor maintenance.
Once the pride of Seminary Hills, the Vanbala Toy Train now stands as a poignant reminder of official apathy. With the High Court stepping in, citizens hope that the beloved train will soon be back on track — this time, for good.
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