Besides starting a new toy train,Sayaji Express,in the zoo on Tuesday,to mark the birthday of CM Narendra Modi,the Vadodara Municipal Corporation has also revived the fountain and duck pond both created during the time of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in Kamatibaug garden. The VMC is also in the process of building open air gymnasiums at two spots in Kamatibaug garden to attract more visitors. While residents have welcomed these moves,they have rued the fact that the ticket for a joy ride on the toy train is very expensive. On Tuesday,the VMC inaugurated the restored fountain and duck pond. A couple of ducks have been brought in to restore the pond to its original glory. VMC Commissioner Manish Bharadwaj said,We have placed order for exercise equipment that will be installed here. The Save Kamatibaug Association,comprising morning walkers,is happy about these changes. Dipak Mehta,who has spearheaded the movement to restore Kamatibaug,said,We are happy that the VMC has taken our suggestions seriously and ensured that the park is not exploited for commercial gains. However,there is no signalling system for the new toy train that intersects public path at two spots. This is a matter of concern apart from the pollution that its Euro-3 engine will cause. The tickets for the train are expensive against Rs 5 for Udyanpari,which it has replaced, the current ticket rates are Rs 40,Rs 25 and Rs 20. Bharadwaj ,however,said that the signalling system was not a matter of concern as the speed of the train was extremely slow. The train is expected to cover one and a half kilometres in 30 minutes.
