Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 19: The toy train that was a popular attraction at city's Kadri Park until it became defunct some years ago, is all set to be back on track this November.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the work on Balamangala Express, the toy train at Kadri Park, was held at the park here on Saturday, August 19.

MLA J R Lobo conducted the groundbreaking ceremony. Balamangala Express will chug again at Kadri Park from November this year, nearly four years after the facility went defunct due to technical problem in the train's engine. An estimated sum of Rs 1.09 crore has been set aside for the work.

Addressing the gathering, Lobo said, "The work on the toy train will begin from today. Rs 40 lac was earlier released for the work which was not enough. An amount of Rs 80 lac was then sanctioned by Rajneesh Goel who was the general secretary of woman and child welfare department. The train will be brought from Mysuru workshop. The construction work on the new parking shed and also realigning of the track is being taken up by Nirmithi Kendra. The new toy train at Kadri Park will be launched in November this year."

Zilla panchayath CEO Dr M R Ravi said, "The introduction of new toy train is good news for children. The train was defunct due to technical problem. The new toy train will have a seating capacity of 75.

"The toy train here was introduced in 1975 and was running for over three decades. Due to technical glitches, the fun ride for children stopped in April 2013. Several attempts were made to rectify the engine problem, but the authorities concerned could not run the train," he informed.

T K Sudhir, Arun Coelho, corporator Roopa D Bangera and others were present.