PM Modi flags off eight trains connecting different regions of country to Statue of Unity in Kevadiya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya through video conferencing. These trains will facilitate seamless connectivity to the Statue of Unity. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr Modi said, today is a historic day for us 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, 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. He said, Kevadia is fast emerging as a prime tourist destination in India. Mr Modi said, tourists from various countries are visiting Kevadia and Statue of Unity has more tourists than Statue of Liberty. He said, the biggest benefit of this rail connectivity will not only be available to the tourists visiting the Statue of Unity, but it will also change the lives of Kevadia tribals.  

The Prime Minister said, many facilities have been brought to Kevadia. Employment is generated in nearby Tribal villages. He said, more than 200 rooms in Adivasi villages have been turned into homestays. Mr Modi said, modernisation of Railways is underway and Government is focussing on newer technology in Railways. He said, Indian Railways braved hard climatic conditions and raging COVID-19 pandemic to complete all its ambitious projects.

The Prime Minister said, we make sure that Indian Railways not only uses new Aatma Nirbhar techonologies but also ensure that they are environment friendly. He said, the beautiful Kevadiya is an excellent example of how both economy and ecology can be developed rapidly while protecting the environment in a planned manner.

Mr. Modi said that the Statue of Unity is already on the world tourist map and very soon we will witness 1 lakh tourists at the statue of unity on a daily basis. Mr. Modi said that all these projects will change the life of tribal people in this region. 

Paying tributes to Bharat Ratna M G Ramachandran, Mr Modi said, today, 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.

Speaking on this occasion Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that today is the historic day for Gujarat. He said that the Center and state government have implemented a series of projects at the Statue of Unity site that will provide employment and livelihood to the local tribals. Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was also present on the occasion.

The trains flagged off by Prime Minister today include  Kevadiya-Varanasi Mahamana Express (Weekly), Dadar-Kevadiya Express (Daily), Ahmedabad-Kevadiya Janshatabdi Express (Daily), Nizamuddin - Kevadia Sampark Kranti Express (Bi-Weekly), Kevadia - Rewa Express (Weekly), Chennai - Kevadia Express (Weekly), Pratapnagar-Kevadia MEMU train (Daily) and Kevadiya-Pratapnagar MEMU train (Daily).

 

According to the Railway Ministry, 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.
 
Situated near Kevadiya in Gujarat's Narmada district, the 'Statue of Unity' is the world's tallest statue and monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, independent India's first home minister as well as deputy Prime Minister.
 
The 597 ft tall Statue of Unity was inaugurated in October 2018 by Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of Patel's 143rd birth anniversary.    

     

SOURCE ; PIB NEWS

(With input from news agency language)

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