Hubballi's Smart City Toy Train Remains Defunct, Exposing Municipal Neglect
The toy train at Mahatma Gandhi Park in Hubballi, once projected as a key family attraction under the ambitious Smart City initiative, continues to remain out of action and in a damaged state, highlighting significant neglect by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). This situation underscores a troubling failure in the maintenance and protection of a public asset created with substantial taxpayer money.
A Promising Project Turned Disappointment
Introduced at a cost of Rs 4.2 crore through Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited, the service was designed to add value to the park experience, draw visitors, and offer children a safe recreational ride. Instead, the facility remains in a defaced and unusable condition, raising serious questions about the civic body's commitment to preserving public infrastructure.
Public Outcry and Official Assurances
The issue gained widespread public attention after a report by TOI on December 5 highlighted its shoddy state. Following this, on December 10, HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali assured that necessary measures would be taken to resume the service within seven days. He explained that the train has two engines, one of which is badly damaged, and added, "Experts said the engine will be repaired and it will be operational soon."
Broken Promises and Ongoing Neglect
However, that assurance has not translated into action on the ground, as the train remains defunct, leaving residents and visitors deeply disappointed. Umesh Dushi, a social activist, criticized the delay, stating that it reflects poorly on the officials responsible for the train's upkeep. He emphasized, "When such a high-value public facility is allowed to lie in disuse, it not only is a waste of resources, but also undermines public confidence in the civic administration and implementation of the Smart City project."
Broader Implications for Smart City Initiatives
This incident raises broader concerns about the effectiveness of the Smart City project in Hubballi. The failure to maintain a relatively simple attraction like a toy train suggests potential systemic issues in asset management and public service delivery. It calls into question whether other aspects of the initiative might be facing similar neglect, potentially eroding trust in urban development efforts.
As the toy train sits idle, it serves as a stark reminder of the gap between project launches and sustainable maintenance, urging authorities to prioritize accountability and timely action to restore public faith.
