Nagpur's Bal Udyan, once a cherished destination for affordable family outings, is now drawing criticism as entry fees rise while the park's condition deteriorates. Visitors report broken play equipment, patchy maintenance, and missing attractions that fail to justify the higher costs.
Visitor Discontent
During a Sunday visit, several parents and children expressed disappointment. A student remarked, "It's not just about the money, it's about what you get for it. Right now, it's not worth it." Another visitor, Junaid, said he expected a greener, better-maintained space with new attractions to justify the higher price.
Afaque Memon, who visited with his wife and two children, paid ₹120 only to be told the park would close in 20 minutes. "It didn't feel reasonable," he said, noting other parents hesitating at the ticket counter or choosing to stay out.
Official Challenges
Vinita Vyas, deputy conservator of forests, Nagpur forest division, explained that Bal Udyan operates without a dedicated budget, making it difficult to cover recurring costs like electricity, water, and staffing. She mentioned plans to install CCTV cameras for safety but noted that public misuse of infrastructure contributes to deterioration. "Adults often damage equipment meant for children. Maintenance becomes difficult without responsible use," she said.
The Missing Toy Train
The park's decline is closely tied to the loss of its biggest attraction—the 'Vanbala' toy train. Once central to Bal Udyan's identity, the miniature ride has remained defunct after repeated shutdowns, leaving the park without its most popular feature.
The Maharashtra government recently informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court that the toy train will be revived on the lines of the 'Vanrani' model at Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This assurance follows a suo motu PIL initiated by the court in November 2025 after delays in replacing the damaged 1.9km track.
Proposed Revival
A proposed ₹35 crore overhaul could restore the park's appeal, authorities say. However, for visitors, the immediate concern remains whether the current experience justifies the price they are paying. Many hope the revival brings back the magic of Bal Udyan, but until then, the park struggles to live up to its former reputation.
