In his budget speech, VMC Commissioner M K Das said there are plans to initiate a Public-Private-Partnership to modernise the existing toy train service, which moves in different parts of the zoo. Similarly, there are plans to develop Ajwa Resort in a similar fashion.

“Children who turn up at the zoo would never want to return without having a ride of the Toy Train and when they don’t get the chance for some reasons, the enthusiasm goes down in a moment. With the intention to make each children smile, we would like to introduce a bigger and better toy train

on PPP model,” Das mentioned in his budget statement.

While the senior administrators within the VMC said that the services once given to the private party would improve and children would have more fun, the Opposition party members maintained that it is going to be yet another example of shrugging off from their basic duties.

The toy train, which runs on a 10-inch wide track used to cover 3.5 km earlier. But after an accident, the distance was reduced.

“It is not that the civic body does not have money to repair the damaged portions, but there is a lack of willingness. Now, in the name of giving better facilities to the children, the VMC is planning to sale off the train, which is the identity of the zoo. We would certainly take up the issue in the forthcoming General Board Meeting,” said Opposition leader Chirag Zaveri.

Interestingly, Das in his statement even admitted that once the train is handed over to a private party, it would “stop the expense of VMC and would result in additional income”.