The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday sought clarity from the Maharashtra Government and Central Railway on what measures they plan to take to conserve and maintain Vanbala, the much-loved toy train at Bal Udyan in Seminary Hills. The court has asked both authorities to submit an affidavit by January 7.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the court has treated the issue as a public interest litigation to ensure the train’s proper upkeep. The hearing was held before Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas.
The 45-year-old Vanbala toy train runs along a 2.5 km track through the forested stretches of Seminary Hills. Inaugurated in December 1978 by then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, it quickly became a favourite spot for children and city residents. But years of neglect and poor maintenance have caused frequent breakdowns.
Though Vanbala reopened in December 2023 after remaining closed for seven years, its revival has been short-lived, with operations again faltering within two years. Advocate Gemini Kasat assisted the court as amicus curiae.
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