Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lakefront is set to welcome two new toy trains, replacing the existing trains that have been operating for around 15 to 16 years.
The trial run of one of the new trains, purchased by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for ₹3.54 crore, has been completed successfully. The trial of the second train is scheduled for next week.The civic body aims to launch the new trains before the Kankaria Carnival. However, regular operations will begin only after the necessary inspections, approvals and licences are obtained from the concerned departments.
Approval Required From 16 Departments
According to a Kankaria Lakefront official, the first train has successfully completed its trial run. Once the second train’s trial is completed, the process of obtaining the required licences will begin.Approvals will be required from 16 departments, including the police, estate, lighting, workshop, and road and building departments, along with relevant state government authorities.
Officials are planning to invite representatives of all concerned departments to the site together to complete inspections and approvals efficiently.If any changes or additional arrangements are required, the lakefront may be closed temporarily to carry out the work. The new trains are expected to begin operations within the next one-and-a-half to two months, with preparations underway to launch them before the Kankaria Carnival.
AMC Expects Annual Revenue of ₹1.27 Crore
The AMC has purchased two new toy trains for ₹3.54 crore. Officials estimate that their operation could generate approximately ₹1.27 crore in annual revenue. Based on these projections, the cost of purchasing the trains could be recovered in around three years.Last year, the civic body earned approximately ₹1.53 crore from the operation of the existing toy trains.
10-Year Contract With Old Operator Sparks Controversy
The AMC has proposed awarding a 10-year operation and maintenance contract for the new trains to Khodal Corporation, the existing operator at Kankaria Lakefront.The agency emerged as the sole qualified bidder in the tender process, leading to the proposal to award it the contract again. Under the proposed agreement, the agency would pay ₹10.50 lakh per month. The decision has sparked controversy because Khodal Corporation is already responsible for operating and maintaining the existing toy train service.
Imported Trains Replaced by Made-in-India Models
The two existing toy trains, which are around 15 to 16 years old, were originally procured from outside India. In contrast, both new trains have been manufactured in Vatva, Gujarat, making them locally produced, Made-in-India models.
The combined current offset value of the two old trains is estimated at approximately ₹28.70 lakh. The introduction of the new trains is expected to modernise the popular attraction and improve the visitor experience at Kankaria Lakefront.