The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has urged the Maharashtra Government and Central Railway to clarify their plans for conserving and maintaining Vanbala, the beloved toy train at Bal Udyan in Seminary Hills. During a hearing on Wednesday, the court directed both authorities to submit a detailed affidavit outlining proposed measures by January 7.Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the court is treating it as a public interest litigation to ensure the train’s proper upkeep and continued operation.
The hearing was conducted before Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas, who expressed concern over the train’s deteriorating condition.Vanbala has been an iconic part of Nagpur’s recreational landscape for over four decades. Launched in December 1978 by then Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, the toy train runs along a 2.5 km track winding through the scenic, forested stretches of Seminary Hills. It quickly became a cherished attraction for children and local residents alike.
However, years of neglect have taken a toll on the train’s operational reliability. Frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues forced its closure for seven years, until a much-awaited reopening in December 2023. Unfortunately, this revival has proven short-lived, with the train’s services once again facing disruptions within two years.The court’s intervention aims to prompt decisive action from the authorities to restore Vanbala to its former glory and safeguard it as a cultural and recreational asset for Nagpur’s citizens.
Advocate Gemini Kasat appeared as amicus curiae, assisting the court in understanding the issue’s wider public importance.As the deadline for the affidavit approaches, local residents and devotees of the toy train await a clear roadmap for preserving this unique symbol of Nagpur’s heritage and family-friendly entertainment.
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