Mumbai: The beloved ‘Van Rani’ toy train has officially returned to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali after a three-year suspension on Thursday. The service was halted in 2021 following damage caused by Cyclone Tauktae.
Now restored and operational, the eco-friendly toy train can accommodate up to 80 passengers and offers a scenic ride through the 5.5 sq km expanse of Krishnagiri Upvan within the park. The return of 'Van Rani' is expected to be a major draw for both tourists and locals.
In addition to the reopened service, a second open-air toy train is also scheduled to be introduced soon, further enhancing the visitor experience at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali, as reported by a news agency, IANS.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park Now Home to 54 Leopards, Confirms Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik
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In a separate news story of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the expansive green zone located in the heart of Mumbai, is now home to 54 leopards, as per the latest 2024 wildlife census, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the legislative council on Tuesday.
Naik stated that the steady rise in leopard numbers over the years is a result of consistent conservation efforts and the protection of their natural habitat. According to the data shared, there were 35 leopards in 2015, which increased to 41 in 2017, 47 in 2018, 46 in 2019, 52 in 2023, and 54 in 2024.
However, the increase in leopard population has also led to human-wildlife conflict. In 2017, two children, a girl and a boy, lost their lives in leopard attacks. In 2022, another girl was killed in a similar incident. The families of the victims received Rs 20 lakh compensation each as per government policy, Naik said.
He added that there is adequate prey available for leopards within the park. To further support the food chain, the government plans to plant more fruit-bearing trees to ensure herbivores, leopards’ primary prey, have sufficient food.
