A visit to Bal Udyan is no longer the affordable family outing it once was. Even as entry fees have increased, visitors say the park’s condition marked by broken play equipment, poor maintenance, and missing attractions has not improved accordingly.
During a visit on Sunday, parents and young visitors questioned the value for money. “It’s not just about the money, it’s about what you get for it. Right now, it’s not worth it,” said a student. Another visitor, Junaid, said he expected a greener, better-maintained space with new attractions to justify the higher cost.
For many families, the rising expense is becoming a barrier. Afaque Memon, who visited with his wife and two children, said he paid Rs 120 only to be told the park would close within 20 minutes. “It didn’t feel reasonable,” he said, adding that several parents were seen hesitating at the ticket counter.
Officials cite structural challenges. Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur Forest Division, said the udyan operates without a dedicated budget, making it difficult to manage costs like electricity, water, and staffing. She added that while improvements such as CCTV installation are planned, public misuse of infrastructure also worsens the condition. “Adults often damage equipment meant for children. Maintenance becomes difficult without responsible use,” she said.
Regular visitors link the decline to the shutdown of the ‘Vanbala’ toy train, once the park’s main attraction. The Maharashtra government recently told the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that the train will be revived on the lines of the ‘Vanrani’ model at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, following a suo motu PIL initiated in November 2025 over delays in replacing the damaged 1.9 km track.
With a proposed Rs 35 crore overhaul under consideration, authorities say the revival could restore the park’s appeal. For now, visitors remain concerned about whether the experience justifies the price.
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