Toy train which used to be a major attraction for kids at National Bal Bhavan is set to come back very soon. The joyride will provide a visual glimpse into India’s culture, traditions, history and heritage. “The mini train at the Bal Bhavan, loved by both children and adults alike has been rechristened ‘The Bal Bhavan Express’ and will commence operations once again,” Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, National Bal Bhavan said on Wednesday. The train, a complete miniature railway with open coaches and seating arrangements, runs parallel to the boundary wall of the Bhavan, which also sports a full fledged railway station and an engine house.
“We have begun painting the entire boundary wall with a pan-Indian theme. From Delhi’s Qutub Minar to Uttar Pradesh’s Taj Mahal, paintings based on heritage, culture and history of all states from Kashmir to Kanyakumari can be seen. A journey in the toy train will feel like a journey through India,” Jindal said.
The Chairperson pointed out the train, which was once powered by steam and later a diesel engine, would be painted in bright colours and would be “completely upgraded with an electric engine”. “The long term plan is also to link the visuals that children will see on the boundary wall with audio to enhance their learning in a fun manner,” Jindal said. She also shared her plans to improvise and upgrade the National Bal Bhavan. Steam engine of the train, which would ride at the Bal Bhavan, was gifted by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958.
