Pay more for less: Visitors say Bal Udyan's entry fees too high for below par facilities

Nagpur: A visit to Bal Udyan is no longer the affordable family outing it once was. Even as entry fees have risen, citizens say the park's condition — marked by broken play equipment, patchy maintenance, and missing attractions — has failed to keep pace.During a visit on Sunday, several parents and young visitors questioned the value of the experience. "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 and new attractions to justify the higher price.For many families, the cost is becoming a barrier. Afaque Memon, who visited with his wife and two children last Sunday evening, said he paid ₹120 only to be told the park would shut within 20 minutes. "It didn't feel reasonable," he said, adding that he saw other parents hesitating at the ticket counter, calculating expenses or choosing to stay out. Officials, however, point to structural challenges. Vinita Vyas, deputy conservator of forests, Nagpur forest division, said the udyan operates without a dedicated budget, making it difficult to meet recurring costs like electricity, water, and staffing. She added that while efforts are on to improve facilities — including plans to install CCTV cameras for safety — public misuse of infrastructure also contributes to the deterioration. "Adults often damage equipment meant for children. Maintenance becomes difficult without responsible use," she said.Yet for many regulars, the park's decline is tied to the loss of its biggest draw — the ‘Vanbala' toy train. Once central to the identity of Bal Udyan, the miniature ride has remained defunct after repeated shutdowns, leaving the park without its most popular attraction.The Maharashtra government recently informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court that the toy train will be revived on the lines of the ‘Vanrani' model at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The assurance follows a suo motu PIL initiated by the court in November 2025 after delays in replacing the damaged 1.9km track.With a proposed ₹35 crore overhaul now on the table, authorities say the revival could restore the park's appeal. For visitors, however, the immediate concern remains unchanged — whether the current experience justifies the price they are being asked to pay.