Van Rani Toy Train Relaunch 2025 at Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Timings, Tickets & Route Map

If you’re looking for a refreshing weekend escape right inside Mumbai, the relaunch of the Van Rani toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is exactly the kind of experience you’ll want to plan for. After being out of service for several years, the iconic mini train — often called the “Queen of the Jungle” — is returning with modern upgrades. In this post, we cover timings, ticket prices, the route map, and how Mumbai commuters and weekend visitors can make the most of this revival.

Why Van Rani’s comeback matters

The Van Rani Toy Train — fondly called the Queen of the Jungle — is finally ready to make a grand comeback at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali, Mumbai.

After years of waiting, officials have confirmed that the technical verification and a full trial run with passengers were successfully completed in July 2025. According to the Maharashtra Forest Department, the majority of the restoration work is now complete, and services are expected to resume by the end of this month.

Over the last few years, the project has seen multiple delays. Authorities initially planned to relaunch the train by late 2024, later revising the target to July–August 2025. However, minor pending civil works led to another short postponement. Park officials are now confident that this relaunch deadline will finally be met.

According to reports from Mid-Day, over ₹43 crore has been invested in procurement of new trains, modern station facilities, and track restoration. The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) managed the technical and civil infrastructure development, ensuring the heritage toy train blends nostalgia with modern safety standards.

The return of Van Rani is expected to boost eco-tourism and weekend travel to Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, giving commuters and families a new reason to explore the city’s green heart.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park: basics to know

Before you board Van Rani, here are some key facts about SGNP — often referred to as Borivali National Park due to its location. 

• Timings: The park is open daily (except Monday) from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM for day visitors. 
• Entry fees: ~₹85 for adults, ~₹45 for children (5–12 years) in many sources. 
• The park spans over 100 sq km, making it one of the biggest national parks within a major city. 
• A popular attraction inside is the Kanheri Caves, and many visitors combine the toy train ride with exploring trails, lakes, and biodiversity zones. 

Route Map & Station Details

Here’s what the Van Rani route and stations look like now:

• The track runs through the Krishnagiri Upvan zone (≈5.5 sq km recreational area within the park). 
• The 2.3 km stretch (formerly ~2.7 km) has been rebuilt including 15 bridges along the path. 
• Two stations are named in media: Krishnagiri Station (main starting point) and Teenmurthy Station (midpoint). Platform upgrades and accessibility ramps are underway. 

Because the ride is short, many sources say the journey is ~20–25 minutes per trip. 

Timings, Tickets & Ride Details

Here’s what the latest reports indicate:

Timings / frequency

• The new service is expected to run every 30 minutes, alternating between two rolling stocks (one Vistadome + one open). 
• Trial runs began in late June, and full-capacity test runs were successfully conducted on July 5. 
• Some news outlets expect the official reopening in July 2025. 

Ticket / fare

• While final fares aren’t confirmed, earlier versions of the toy train fare (pre-shutdown) were approximately ₹28 for adults and ₹11 for children (5–12 years) per trip. 
• Vehicle entry, park entry, and camera / safari charges are separate and must be paid at park counters or online. 

Ride experience & features

• The upgraded coaches include Vistadome design (transparent roofs / panoramic windows) to give riders immersive forest views.
• Some coaches will be open-seating, meant for nature lovers who prefer to feel the breeze.
• Each run requires a minimum number of passengers (typically ~20) before the ride starts.

How to Reach SGNP + Van Rani

Using local trains (best for commuters)

• The nearest major railway hub is Borivali (Western line). From Borivali, you can take a short auto or bus to SGNP’s main entrance. 
• Some visitors report sharing autos from Borivali station to SGNP at nominal fares (≈ ₹20). 

By road / private vehicle

• SGNP’s main gate is accessible via Western Express Highway / Borivali East roads.
• Parking is accessible, but limited; arrive early to reserve a place. 

Inside SGNP.

• After entry, you’ll find shuttle services, walking trails, and signage to the toy train boarding point (Krishnagiri area).
• Note: The park sometimes has shut hours / lunch breaks (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, etc.) for maintenance. 

Tips for Weekend Visitors & Commuters

• Arrive early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds and secure the first train slots.
  
  
• Rainy season may disrupt service or tracks — check SGNP / local news updates.
  
  
• Carry water, sunscreen, light snacks — the ride is short but the surroundings can be humid.
  
  
• Use a camera or smartphone with panorama mode to capture forest views through Vistadome glass.
  
  
• After the ride, explore Kanheri Caves, forest trails, small lakes, and biodiversity zones within SGNP.
  
  
• Always carry your entry ticket & ID — park and ride counters may require verification.

Plan your travel smartly with the Yatri app — check local train and metro schedules, get live updates, and find the fastest routes to Borivali station, the main gateway to Sanjay Gandhi National Park.