Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Feb 24: The toy train at Kadri Park, which was installed for the sake of children, has faced more issues than the actual time it was in operation. Though it started 15 days ago, there is a possibility that it may stop functioning any time.
The train is facing an engine problem every now and then. If the operation is stopped for some time, the engine fails to start. If the rain water seeps inside the engine, it needs repair. In addition, except Saturdays and Sundays, the train does not run as there is no public who want to take the joy ride. Even making one round is very difficult. Due to these reasons, even those who have taken the contract are hesitating to operate the same.
Track for this train is built around the park on a concrete bed. It is nearly 1.2 km in circumference. Sometimes the train goes off track while it is running. As it runs slowly, no damage is done so far. The track near the tunnel of the park is unscientific. The train driver says that instead of going front it pulls the train back.
In 2017, new engine and bogies were brought to Mangaluru from Mysuru in 2017 by Bal Bhavan society and children development department. The total cost incurred on construction of track and procuring train was Rs 1.09 crore. The train was built in a railway workshop at Mysuru. Within just four years the train is not working properly.
Instead of providing a new engine, the old engine itself is painted and fixed. It is accused that this engine ran for many years in Mysuru. But this fact is denied by the members of Bal Bhavan committee. They say that the new engine is built at a cost of Rs 91 lac. The engine that runs at present may stop anytime. That is why the demand for new engine is made by the contractor.
On questioning, Chikkamma Basavaraj, president of Bal Bhavan society says, "If this issue is discussed in district Bal Bhavan committee meeting, a proposal can be sent to state Bal Bhavan society to release required money to repair the track. I will think on buying the new engine."
Rajgopal Rai, contractor of the toy train says, "When we see the efficiency of working of the engine, it seems that some old engine was repaired and fixed. It does not start if water seeps during monsoon. In addition the tracks are not suitable for the running of the train. At certain places the track is at a height more than specified limit. Children do not come except Saturdays and Sundays."