Toy train to chug around hilly Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 6 (UNI) In an attempt to give a facelift to the state's tourism industry, Mizoram government will introduce North-East's first ever toy train here.

The proposed toy train, with two coaches, would chug along the hilly terrain to lure more tourists coming to the state.

Transport commissioner R K Thanga told UNI here today that the toy train with two coaches, pulled by a diesel engine, donated by the former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, will be operational by December in Seswang area at CTI complex, at the cost of Rs 30 lakh.

''It will complete at least five joyrides each day, taking tourists on a two-km journey through a picture-perfect landscape, including breathtaking views of deep gorges and undulating valleys,'' he said.

The survey of setting up two-km rail has been already completed, Mr Sanga said, adding that the toy train at present stationed in Guwahati, would be transported in trucks by December end.

Apart from this, the transport commissioner also disclosed that a proposal to extend existing railway route from Bairabhi to Sairang (near to the state capital) and setting up of an 80-km gauge conversion from Katakual to Bairabhi is also on process.

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