Connectivity through 8 new special trains to Kevadiya will give a boost to tourism, job opportunities: PM
New Delhi, January 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off through video conferencing eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat. These trains will facilitate seamless connectivity to the Statue of Unity.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, it is a historic day for the country as the beauty of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat is being highlighted. He said, in the history of Indian Railways, for the first time eight trains from across the nation have been connected with a single destination.
The Prime Minister said, the NDA government has made sure that Indian Railways not only uses new Aatma Nirbhar techonologies but also ensure that they are environment friendly.
The Prime Minister said, today is the amalgamation of Indian Railways Mission and Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s Vision. He said, there is no place like Kevadia and it is identified by the Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar Dam. Mr Modi said, it is becoming the new tourist destination of the country and it is estimated that in the coming years, one lakh people will daily visit Kevadiya.
Paying tributes to Bharat Ratna M G Ramachandran, Mr Modi said, one of the trains leaving for Kevadia is coming from Puratchi Talaivar Dr. MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station. He said, it is a happy coincidence that today is the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awaredee MGR.
The trains flagged off by Prime Minister today will connect Kevadiya from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Dadar in Maharashtra, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Nizamuddin in Delhi, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. A MEMU train to and fro Pratapnagar from Kevadiya was also inaugurated.
The Ahmedabad-Kevadiya Jan Shatabdi Express has been provided with the new-age Vista-dome tourist coach which will offer a panoramic view of the skyline.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated Dabhoi-Chandod broad gauge railway line, Chandod Kevadiya new broad gauge railway line, newly electrified Pratapnagar- Kevadiya section and the new station buildings of Dabhoi, Chandod and Kevadiya.
These projects are aimed to boost development and tourism in the region. The buildings have been designed aesthetically incorporating local features and modern passenger amenities. Kevadiya Railway Station is India’s first station with a Green Building Certification.