Almost after four decades, toy train may soon start chugging in the Delhi Zoological Park. With the zoo authority having failed to attract bidders for e-rickshaws in its second attempt, it is planning to bring back Sanjay Gandhi’s pet project for toy train in the zoo.
In the year 1974-75, Sanjay Gandhi had got tracks for toy train laid in the Delhi Zoo. However, they were later removed following the then Zoo Director’s objection to the project citing noise pollution.
Toy train tracks will be re-laid. This will be part of development of infrastructure along with other projects proposed in the zoo master plan.
The tender for e-rickshaw operating inside the Delhi Zoo ended in February. The Delhi Zoo had floated a fresh tender in January, only to find two bidders. But both did not fulfill the required clause. A second tender was again floated. “This time, only one bidder turns up. As per the guideline, if there is only one application, a fresh tender is to be issued. In the third time too, we are unlikely to get any bidder,” said zoo curator RA Khan.
As the problem is expected to persist in the third attempt too, the zoo authority has started looking at the option of reintroducing the toy train. The tracks were laid in the year 1975-76 under the initiative of Sanjay Gandhi. “Gandhi had then got clearance for the project from Ministry of Environment and Forest. However, he did not keep then Zoo Director MK Apaiya in the loop. So Apaiya got it removed from the zoo on the ground that the train was causing noise pollution on the premises,” informed a senior Zoo officer. The train was given to the National Bal Bhawan in Delhi.
“The highest decibel sound recorded at Delhi Zoo is when the train passes through railway line situated behind the zoo by blowing whistle is recorded at 88,” added the official.
The zoo now plans to write to the Ministry seeking permission for reintroducing toy train in the zoo.
“The train will stop at various enclosures and visitors will be allowed to hop on and off the train,” said the official. It will be an additional feature at the zoo. If approved, the zoo authorities are hoping that the toy train will be included in the Zoo Master Plan.
Meanwhile, three e-rickshaws that were plying inside the zoo have been put off the road since February 28. The operators feel that the rickshaws do not bring much business. “The zoo wants to see the vehicles before awarding the tender. These rickshaws have to be procured. If we fail to get the bid then what will we do with the vehicles,” said one of the bidders.