Nagpur: Good news may soon chug back into the lives of Nagpur’s children. The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday informed the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court that the city’s much-loved ‘Vanbala’ toy train will be redeveloped on the lines of Mumbai’s popular ‘Vanrani’ toy train, offering a fresh and modern experience at Seminary Hills.
The State Government clarified that repeated breakdowns and ageing components have rendered the existing Vanbala train beyond repair, making a complete redevelopment inevitable. Taking note of the submission, a Division Bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode directed the government to place a comprehensive development blueprint before the court within three weeks.
Gold Rate
22 Jan 2026
The High Court has been closely monitoring the issue after taking serious cognisance of Vanbala’s prolonged shutdown and maintenance woes, converting the matter into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). During an earlier hearing, the court had expressed displeasure when the Forest Department indicated that restarting the train could take as long as six months.
Striking a deeply relatable chord, the Bench had observed that children today are increasingly glued to mobile phones and television screens, making real-world, joyful experiences all the more essential. “In such circumstances, initiatives like the Vanbala toy train are not just entertainment but a necessity,” the court had remarked, urging authorities to act with urgency.
Advocate Jemini Kasat appeared as amicus curiae, while Advocate N.S. Rao represented the State Government.
Beyond a train: A park that sparks imagination
Going a step further, the High Court also directed the government to transform the entire Seminary Hills area into a thoughtfully designed children’s park alongside the toy train project. The proposed park should include interactive, engaging and experiential activities that encourage physical movement, creativity and curiosity among children.
Such a space, the court noted, would help children reconnect with nature and real-life experiences, drawing them away from the virtual world and fostering holistic development.
If implemented in spirit, the Vanbala revival could once again echo with children’s laughter, turning Seminary Hills into a vibrant family destination and restoring a cherished chapter of Nagpur’s childhood memories.
