Services of the toy train in Cubbon Park have will be stopped for at least a fortnight to repair the track.
Ratna B. Kalamdani, Secretary of Bal Bhavan, said that the track would be closed from Sunday (January 27) for at least 15 days. "The track is very old and is due for repairs. We had communicated the same to the railways. They have now agreed to undertake the work," she said.
She pointed out that the repairs were needed in the interests of the safety and security of children. The authorities have estimated that the repairs are likely to cost around ₹8 lakh.
She said that, of late, the speed of the train was slower than usual as the track is old. The last repairs took place more than two decades ago. "After the repairs, the train will move at a higher speed," she said.
The toy train has been the biggest attraction in Bal Bhavan. The track is 1.25 kilometres long. The train covers this distance in around eight minutes.
The train has a seating capacity of 80 persons. Around 100 people take a ride on the toy train during weekdays. The number goes up to 1,000 on weekends and holidays.