Bellewaerde: An Intamin Hot Racer themed around Tuk-Tuks in the India zone?

(The accompanying photo is AI-generated but does not correspond to the planned model)

For several seasons, Compagnie des Alpes has been implementing an ambitious investment strategy across all of its European sites. Following the inauguration of the Mundo Amazonia zone, driven by its innovative Spinning Raft, and the modernization of aquatic and family infrastructures, Bellewaerde Park is preparing the next phase of its transformation. A planning permit application recently submitted to the Flemish authorities reveals the details of a major project under the provisional administrative name of "Indiacoaster".

Contrary to initial rumors suggesting an attraction replacement in the Far West or Canada sectors, this project will take place in the heart of the India zone. The selected footprint occupies a strategic plot located between the Bengal Rapid River rapid river and the Wakala family coaster, inaugurated in 2020. Currently occupied by a picnic area and some service spaces, this area will undergo a complete restructuring. The arrival of this ride will densify a historic sector of the park while creating an unprecedented visual synergy with the surrounding water attractions.

The chosen layout addresses the need to balance visitor flows. The India zone is a key transit point to several areas of the park. By integrating a dynamic attraction with a strong visual identity, Bellewaerde's management aims to retain visitors in this area and ease traffic on the main pathways during high-attendance days.

Permit analysis: characteristics and layout

An analysis of the site plans and supporting documents provided in the planning permit application allows for a precise technical profile of the planned installation:

• Geographical location: India Zone, on the plot bordering the Bengal Rapid River and the surroundings of Wakala
• Total track length: Approximately 680 meters of winding track
• Maximum structure height: Peaking at nearly 24 meters above the ground
• Propulsion system: Double launch zone using friction wheels (tires)
• Notable track elements: Direct flyover of the rapid river channels, tunnel passage under the pedestrian pathway, banked turns, and rapid changes of direction
• Vehicles: Trains themed in the shape of traditional tuk-tuks

One of the major takeaways from the file lies in the management of the forest environment. Since Bellewaerde is both an amusement park and a wildlife park deeply attached to its green setting, the landscape integration has been meticulously studied. The layout of the track has been optimized to minimize tree felling as much as possible, with only nine trees needing to be removed for the foundation footings, representing a particularly limited footprint for a project of this scale.

The layout takes advantage of the topography to maximize visual interactions. The train will fly over the churning channels of the Bengal Rapid River several times, offering spectacular views for both the roller coaster passengers and the visitors on the rapid river. In addition, a section will plunge into a tunnel under one of the main pedestrian pathways, generating a striking near-miss (*headchopper*) effect as the train dives underground before reappearing amidst the vegetation.

Intamin Hot Racer technology: the single-rail tire-launch track

Although the manufacturer's name is not formally mentioned in the planning documentation, the geometry of the rail, the design of the supports, and the general concept point very clearly to the Hot Racer technology developed by the Swiss firm Intamin (which is also the historic manufacturer of the Bengal Rapid River). This single-rail coaster model (*single-rail coaster*) follows in the direct footsteps of Mahuka, which opened at Walibi Rhône-Alpes, or the Midgardsormen project planned in Denmark.

The Hot Racer concept is based on a specific mechanical architecture that distinguishes it from traditional roller coasters:

• Central single-rail beam: The track consists of a single narrow rail, reducing the width of the structure and minimizing the visual impact on the park's green landscape.
• Single-file seating arrangement: Passengers are seated one behind the other (*single-file*), one person per row, in a posture similar to riding a two-wheeler. This configuration offers a completely unobstructed view to the front and sides.
• Propulsion by friction wheels (tires): Acceleration is not provided by LSM electromagnets but by series of motorized tires that grip a ventral fin under the train. This mechanical device offers dynamic, sharp launches that are particularly suited to short sections.
• Track agility: The thinness of the rail allows for very tight transitions, heavily banked turns, and compact inversions close to the ground without requiring very tall structures.

The decision to use tire propulsion is explained by the search for proven mechanical efficiency within a small footprint. Tire launch zones allow speed to be injected smoothly while maintaining a manageable level of maintenance for the park's technical teams.

Immersive theming: trains shaped like tuk-tuks

One of the most striking details revealed by the technical diagrams concerns the design of the vehicles. The trains will be styled as tuk-tuks, the iconic motorized three-wheelers of Indian streets. The combination of the single-rail concept (where each passenger sits in a single line) and the shape of a tuk-tuk proves particularly well-suited to enhancing immersion in the India zone.

The boarding area will be located at the edge of a body of water, with a queue winding over wooden pontoons. This scenographic approach is in line with Bellewaerde's recent developments, prioritizing natural, clear-cut decors integrated into the landscaped environment.

Estimated ride experience

By cross-referencing the topographical elements in the permit, it is possible to outline the course layout:

• Boarding: Departure from the station located at the water's edge on themed pontoons.
• First launch: An initial tire acceleration launches the train onto the track.
• Tunnel section: The train dives under the pedestrian path, creating an enclosed feeling and acoustic acceleration.
• Peak of the course: An ascent leading to the maximum height of 24 meters, offering a panoramic view of the India zone.
• Second launch: A second tire propulsion zone relaunches the train to maintain speed dynamics.
• Water flyover and finale: Passages over the channels of the Bengal Rapid River, a sequence of tight turns close to the ground, followed by final braking and return to the station.

The double-launch principle ensures a sustained pace throughout the 680 meters of track. The absence of a traditional chain lift hill allows elements to follow one another without downtime, resulting in a dynamic ride time of approximately one minute.

Additional developments and visitor infrastructure

The project is not limited to installing the steel structure. To accommodate this new attraction, the current picnic area will be demolished to make way for a multi-purpose building combining several functions:

• Boarding station: A building housing the platform area and technical maintenance zones.
• Flow management: The station will offer three separate access lines: a standard queue, a queue for priority pass holders, and a *Single Rider* line. On a coaster configured with single-file seating, the *Single Rider* line will maximize the occupancy rate of each train.
• Visitor services: The complex will integrate a new, modern restroom block as well as a fast-food outlet focusing on ice cream and refreshments.

Strategic positioning and provisional schedule

The integration of the "Indiacoaster" is part of the global development plan of Compagnie des Alpes. By completing its offering with an intermediate thrill coaster, Bellewaerde bridges the gap between its highly accessible attractions (Wakala) and its older installations (Boomerang). The choice of a Hot Racer model, which is still very rare in Europe, offers a strong marketing argument across the Benelux region and Northern France.

Regarding the timeline, the submission of a planning permit marks the beginning of the administrative procedures. The review of the file by the city of Ypres and the Flemish authorities, followed by the factory manufacturing of the components, foundation work, assembly, and testing phases, typically spans a period of 18 to 24 months. Subject to obtaining the necessary permits, a public opening around 2028 or 2029 is the most realistic scenario.