MG Park’s Rs 4.1 crore toy train lies inactive amid hurdles (original) (raw)

HUBBALLI: The

toy train

facility at

MG Park

, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.1 crore with Rs 2 crore allocated as capital investment, remains inactive since mid-2023.
Due to administrative oversight, the establishment continues to be non-operational. Despite encountering operational challenges, including a minor derailment shortly after its 2022 inauguration, the facility initially generated revenue of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Operations ceased entirely in August 2023, primarily due to ongoing delays in the hand over process between

Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited

(HDSCL) and

HDMC

.
The train's design features a contemporary bullet train aesthetic, incorporating a curved single glass windscreen and front-mounted LED display. The configuration includes two engines and four carriages, each accommodating 16 passengers, equipped with air conditioning, audio-visual systems, CCTV surveillance, automatic doors, rooftop solar panels, and additional amenities.

Basavaraj Dharmanti, DGM, HDSCL, explained that the toy train ceased operations following the operator's termination. HDSCL independently appointed two operators to restart the service four months ago. However, due to electrical complications, the train service was halted again. The organisation is currently working towards resolving these issues to restore the toy train operations.
HDSCL sources revealed that the electricity supply was disconnected due to unpaid bills accumulating over the past year. The outstanding amount of approximately Rs 9.5 lakh in electricity bills is the primary reason for the current suspension of the toy train service.

Park visitors, particularly those who come with their families during weekends and holidays, express frustration over the authorities' negligent attitude. The toy train service, which began after its initial launch, faced intermittent operations and remains largely non-functional, despite occasional periods of service.
Chandrashekhar Nayak, a visitor to the MG Park, said: "The musical fountain, which was developed in the line of Brindavan musical fountain in Mysuru, is also defunct over hte past months." The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) initially delayed accepting the redevelopment works, citing quality concerns. Although HDMC eventually took control, they failed to maintain the facilities at MG Park, including its Glass House, without any apparent justification.
Savitri Habib, who lives in Channapeth, makes weekly Sunday visits to the park with her relatives and children. "I have never seen the toy train operational. The train is in a sorry state, covered with tarpaulin, gathering dust at the MG Park. No one is bothered," she remarked.