Patna Zoo’s iconic toy train set for comeback with modern makeover

Patna: The familiar whistle and joyride of Patna Zoo’s iconic toy train are set to return after nearly a decade, promising visitors a smoother, safer and far more immersive experience through the sprawling green campus.

The much-loved ‘Shishu Rail’, once a major attraction for children and families, is being revived with modern technology and upgraded safety features in coordination with the Danapur railway division of East Central Railway. Track renewal work is expected to begin by July and the entire project is targeted for completion by Jan 2027.

For generations of visitors, the toy train ride was one of the biggest highlights of a zoo trip. The new version aims to recreate that nostalgia while offering a more comfortable and scenic journey through animal enclosures, parks and water bodies spread across the zoo.

The 3.7-km-long track will largely follow the earlier route, taking passengers past the hyena enclosure, zoo hospital, lion, tiger and bear habitats before reaching the bird section. The train will also halt at the Rhino Breeding Centre and the aquarium near the pond, giving visitors time to soak in the surroundings.

Zoo director Hemant Patil said special care was being taken to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife. “Efforts are being made to sound-proof these enclosures, minimising noise from wheels and operations. The new modern train will be fully electric with no engine noise, making it more environmentally friendly and comfortable for both visitors and animals,” he said.

The new train will have four modern coaches with a combined seating capacity of around 80-120 passengers. A full ride will last 15-20 minutes, with trained guides accompanying tourists and providing live commentary on animals and attractions along the route.

Officials said the old narrow-gauge track and wooden sleepers, which had led to repeated derailments and safety concerns before services stopped around 2015, would be completely replaced. New rails, PSC sleepers, proper bolting systems, bridges and culverts will be installed under the Rs 15 crore project.

With electric coaches, quieter operations and panoramic views, the revived toy train is expected to once again become one of Patna Zoo’s biggest crowd-pullers.