Soon, 24-seater toy train to chug across Vandalur zoo

Equipped with tubeless tires, the 24-seater train, which comes with one locomotive and four carriages, will chug around the zoo. 

Sources from forest department told DT Next that the train will move around at a speed of about 20 km per hour. “We are in the process to finalise the party through tender process. We are trying our level best to run toy train within six months,” a senior official from the zoological park said. 

According to him, the vehicle will also be designed to meet zoo terrain condition. He said the Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the modern and scientifically managed zoos, spread over an area of 602 hectares, including a 92.45-hectare rescue and rehabilitation centre. 

He said the park is the largest zoological park of the country located at Vandalur in Chennai outskirts. “The toy train will take the visitors around the zoo, which is about two to three kilometres.” 

The official pointed out that zoo, which attracts 20 lakh visitors every year, has attained excellence as a dynamic nature conservation centre by promoting breeding programme of rare and endangered species of the Western and Eastern Ghats. 

Officials believe that the toy train would garner enough patronage and is likely to attract more visitors as it begins its journey. The senior official also pointed out that discussion was on to decide whether or not collect ticket charges from the visitors.