Now Rakh Bagh goes into private hands, Hero Group to revive toy train

The toy train used to run on the colonial-era small gauge track with a red and yellow engine.

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Confirming the development, Ghanshyam Thori, additional commissioner, Ludhiana MC, told Newsline, “All the terms and condition for maintenance and development of Rakh Bagh with Hero Group have been agreed upon and they will be spending close to Rs 8 crore for one-time development, including spending on toy train, boundary walls, yoga centre and cafeteria. Even the monthly maintenance expenses of Rs 10-15 lakh will be borne by them. We are handing over Rakh Bagh entirely to them for better maintenance.”

It is not the first time that the MC due to lack of staff and quality work is handing over its properties to private groups for maintenance. Earlier, in March last, the civic body handed over 15 prime roundabouts of the city to corporate groups and hosiery groups. While some of them are being maintained, some continue to be in a pathetic state till now.

The roundabouts were also under the horticulture branch of the MC and Rakh Bagh also falls under the same. A sum of Rs 9 lakh was sanctioned earlier too to re-run the toy train and the Railways was also contacted to repair the British-era track or install the new one but work was never completed. Even the Punjab Tourism Board joined hands with the MC to renovate Rakh Bagh. An open air theatre and food plaza projects were started but they are still incomplete.

The yellow and red engine of toy train, which passed through a tunnel and covered the whole garden, was the favourite destination for children in 1990s. It continues to lie locked and gather dust but the MC claims that this time deadline will not be missed. “A new cycle track is also on the cards at Rakh Bagh as per agreement with Hero Group,” claimed Surinder Kumar, executive engineer, horticulture, MC, adding that the civic body would soon decide rates for the toy train ticket.