Udaipur is considered as one of the most historically beautiful cities in the world. The city has some breathtaking architectural marvels and lakes which tells a lot of stories about the Mewar kingdom. One such destination is “Gulab Bagh” also known as “Sajjan Niwas Garden.” The good news is that now children will be able to ride once again in the toy train here which was closed for a few years.

Gulab Bagh was built in 1887 by Maharana Fateh Singh and is regarded as Rajasthan’s largest park and is the fourth-oldest zoo park. The new toy train penned as “Maharana Pratap Express,” trial is ongoing and it will continue for around one week. Parshad and President at Nagar Nigam, Manohar Chaudhary said that the children were eagerly waiting for this train to start. The toy train has served as a major attraction for local residents of Udaipur as well as tourists for many years. The name of the toy train has been changed from “Aravali Express” to “Maharana Pratap Express,” he added. Rs. 25 will be charged for children, Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 100 from foreigners. 

Why has the train model been changed?

In the year 2022, the new train preparation was started. Nagar Nigam President, Manohar Chaudhary shared the reason behind changing of train design and model that the old “Aravali Express” used to derail frequently which resulted in injuries among children. The soil of Gulab Bagh is black and smooth. Due to this reason the train used to go off track. This new train has open coaches and the engine also has been changed. Ahmedabad’s “Kankaria Toy Train” served as the inspiration for building this train. 

Another notable fact about the train is that it will pass through three stations namely Luv Kush Railway station near Saraswati Library, Kamal Talai and Maharana Pratap Station in front of Samor Bagh gate. The train will also pass by Bird Park so that children will be able to witness different types of birds. Also, Manohar Chaudhary said that they are aiming to make a flower tunnel and to place animals like fish and snakes alongside the railway path to make the journey more exciting. The old “Aravali Express” will be used as a selfie booth and has been placed at Kamal Talai.  

Apart from this, the artificial water body, “Kamal Talai” work is also ongoing. Soon boating will start at Kamal Talai. The environmentally friendly Pedal boats will run on water which will not affect the aquatic ecosystem. Bird park will get additional foreign birds. Navlakha Mahal or Navlakha Palace, which is situated at the centermost area of the garden will also get “Ved Vraksh” placed inside it, according to the Chief Secretary of Navlakha Mahal.