Toy train to chug in Sambalpur park

In a bid to attract visitors, the Sambalpur Development Authority has planned to introduce a toy train on the premises of Gourishankar Sahani Park, located along Ring Road in the city.

SAMBALPUR: In a bid to attract visitors, the Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) has planned to introduce a toy train on the premises of Gourishankar Sahani Park, located along Ring Road in the city.
Informing this, SDA Chairman Bijay Mohanty said apart from the toy train, fountains and decorative lights will also be installed in the park at an estimated cost of `31 lakh. He also said a detailed project report (DPR) for the plan is being prepared and tender will be floated soon.

 The toy train will be made operational and fountains and decorative lights installed within a period of four months, Mohanty said and added that amusement equipment for children and fitness instruments have been installed at an estimated cost of about `8 lakh in the park recently. Prior to this, the SDA had undertaken construction of boundary wall, walking track, sitting arrangements and landscaping at an estimated cost of about `40 lakh, he said.  

The park was developed by SDA in 2009 over an area of 1.28 acres of land. However, it was lying neglected since long. Following a revamp, the park is witnessing a rise in the number of visitors besides morning and evening walkers. The visitor footfall is likely to increase further after the toy train starts operating, sources said.

Meanwhile, the Western Odisha Freedom Fighters’ Memorial Hall and Museum is also being developed on the park premises. The two-storey building for the memorial hall and museum has been constructed at a cost of `1.05 crore provided by the Western Odisha Development Council.
A firm has already been entrusted with developing the interiors of the building at an estimated cost of `70 lakh and work will be completed by February next year.

As per the plan, portraits of freedom fighters of the region will be put up in the museum with brief history of their contribution. Besides, articles used by the freedom fighters will also be on display at the memorial hall and museum, which will be operated and managed by SDA.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com