PM flags off eight trains to seamlessly connect Statue of Unity

The prime minister also inaugurated the Dabhoi–Chandod Gauge converted 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. 

Chief minister of Gujarat and union railways minister were present on the occasion when trains were flagged off for the same destinations from different corners of the country.

The Prime Minister said that this is significant because of the importance of Kevadiya as home to Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar and the it also exemplifies the vision of railways and mission of Sardar Patel.

Mentioning that one of the Kevadiya bound train is originating from Puruchi Thaliaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station, the prime minister paid tribute to Bharat Ratan MGR on his birth anniversary. Modi praised his accomplishments on film screen and political platform. He noted that MGR’s political journey was dedicated to poor and he worked tirelessly for a dignified life of the down-trodden. The prime minister said that we are working to fulfil his ideals and recalled how the grateful nation renamed Chennai Central Railway station after MGR.

The prime minister, pointed out the new connectivity between Kevadiya and Chennai, Varanasi, Rewa, Dadar and Delhi along with MEMU service between Kevadiya and Pratapnagar and broad gauging of Dabhoi-Chandod and new Line between Chandod- Kevadiya will script a new chapter in the development of Kevadiya. This will benefit both the tourists and local Adivasis as this will bring new avenues of self-employment and employment. The railway line will provide connectivity to places of faith like  Karnali, Poicha and Garudeshwar on Narmada.

Modi said Kevadiya is no longer just a small block in some remote area, it has come up as a one of the biggest tourist destination of the world. The Statue of Unity is attracting more tourist than even Statue of Liberty, he said, adding that more than 5 million visitors have come to see the Statue of Unity after it was dedicated to the nation and it is catching on after staying closed during the Corona months. It is estimated, as the connectivity improves, about one lakh visitors per day are expected in Kevadiya. Kevadiya as a good example of planned development of economy and ecology while protecting environment, said the prime minister.

Kevadiya, which had no road connectivity, nor street lighting, rail or tourist accommodation, has now been transformed into a complete family package with all amenities, the prime minister pointed out. 

Besides the grand Statue of Unity, Kevadia’s attractions include Sardar Sarovar, Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Arogya Van and Jungle Safari and Poshan Park. It also has Glow Garden, Ekta Cruise and water sports. 

The prime minister said due to increasing tourism, Adivasi youth is getting employment and local people are getting modern amenities. There are new opportunities for local handicrafts items in the Ekta Mall. He also mentioned that about 200 rooms are being developed for home stay in the Adivasi villages.

Kevadiya railway station, which has been developed with growing tourism in mind, has Tribal Art Gallery and Viewing Gallery from where Statue of Unity can be glimpsed.

He said the Railways is giving direct connectivity to places of tourism and religious importance and that many routes, including Ahmedabad- Kevadiya Janshatabdi, will have attractive ‘Vista-Dome Coaches.’

The Prime Minister also outlined the change in approach for developing railway infrastructure. He said that earlier focus was limited to keeping the existing infrastructure running and there was little attention on new thinking or new technology. It was imperative to change this approach. In the recent years, work was done on comprehensive transformation of entire railway system and it wasn’t limited to tinkering with budget and new train announcements. The transformation took place on many fronts. He gave example of the present project of connecting Kevadiya where multi-pronged focus led to completion of the task in record time.

The prime minister also cited the example of the Dedicated Freight Corridor as an example of change in approach from earlier times. This project was under progress and between 2006-2014 work was done only on paper with not even a single kilometre of track laid. Now a total of 1,100 km are about to be completed in next few days.

He said unconnected parts of the country are now being connected. Speed of broad gauging and electrification has gained momentum and tracks are being prepared for higher speed. This has enabled running of semi high speed trains and we are moving towards high-speed capabilities, for this budget has been enhanced manifold, said the prime minister.