Patna Zoo will restart its battery-operated toy train by January 2027, featuring a Vande Bharat-inspired design and four coaches for around 80 passengers. The 3.77-km route will pass through jungle trails and a pond, with safety inspections planned before regular operations commence.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Patna, November 1, 2026: Visitors to Patna Zoo will soon be able to enjoy a toy train ride once again, with the service expected to resume by the end of January next year. The new train will feature a modern design inspired by the Vande Bharat Express, along with improved facilities for visitors.
A new 3.77-km-long track is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹9.88 crore. The battery-operated train will have four coaches and will be able to accommodate around 80 passengers in a single trip. The approximately 40-minute ride will allow visitors to enjoy the zoo’s greenery, jungle trail and scenic views of the pond.
Patna Zoo will restart its battery-operated toy train by January 2027, featuring a Vande Bharat-inspired design and four coaches for around 80 passengers. The 3.77-km route will pass through jungle trails and a pond, with safety inspections planned before regular operations commence.
Zoo Director Hemant Patil said the project is being undertaken under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Danapur Railway Division and the zoo administration. Following the resolution of technical issues, work on the new track has been accelerated. The old track is being removed and replaced with a completely new one. Work on the train’s engine and coaches is also progressing at different stages.
Once construction is completed, technical inspections and safety trials will be conducted. Regular operations will begin only after the required checks and procedures are completed.
Vande Bharat-Inspired Design and Modern Facilities
The new toy train is being designed to offer visitors a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. It will consist of one engine and four coaches, with seating arrangements for approximately 20 passengers in each coach.
The train will be battery-operated, making it an environment-friendly transport option within the zoo. One of the coaches is proposed to have air-conditioning facilities. However, all coaches will not be air-conditioned due to battery capacity and technical requirements.
40-Minute Ride Through Jungle Trail and Around the Pond
The zoo administration is also modifying the existing route to make the journey more attractive. The section passing through the jungle trail is being slightly shortened so that visitors can also enjoy views of the pond during the ride.
The proposed route is expected to pass close to some of the zoo’s major attractions, giving children and families an opportunity to experience its natural surroundings more comfortably. However, the final route and details of the stoppages will be confirmed once the train service becomes operational.
Toy Train to Benefit Children and Senior Citizens
The return of the toy train is expected to make visiting Patna Zoo more convenient, particularly for senior citizens, young children and families who may find it difficult to walk across the entire premises. According to the proposed plan, train services may begin around 9 am, after the zoo opens. However, ticket prices, the regular operating schedule and the number of stations have not yet been officially finalised.
Why Was the Old Toy Train Discontinued?
The earlier toy train service at Patna Zoo was discontinued on August 17, 2015, following concerns over the safety of its track and coaches. With a new track, battery-operated coaches and improved safety arrangements, the zoo administration is now working to bring back the popular attraction. If completed as scheduled, the new service will offer visitors another way to explore the zoo from January-end.
