Kevadiya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat today, via video conferencing. These trains will facilitate seamless connectivity to the Statue of Unity. Modi 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.
The Prime Minister said that, perhaps, for the first time in the history of Railways, trains had been flagged off for the same destinations from different corners of the country. He said 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 also provide connection to the places of faith like Karnali, Poicha and Garudeshwar on Narmada,” he said. Mentioning that one of the Kevadiya bound train was originating from Puruchi Thaliaivar Dr. MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to Bharat Ratan late MG Ramchandran on his birth anniversary. He recalled how the grateful nation renamed Chennai Central Railway station after MGR.
Modi said that Kevadiya in Gujarat was no longer just a small block in some remote area but had come up as a one of the biggest tourist destination of the world. He claimed Statue of Unity was attracting more tourist than even the Statue of Liberty. “More than 50 lakh 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,” he said and added that it was estimated that with the improvement in the connectivity, daily about one lakh people would visit Kevadiya.
“Now Kevadiya has transformed into a complete family package with all amenities. Attractions here include, grand Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar, vast Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Arogya Van and Jungle Safari and Poshan Park. It also has Glow Garden, Ekta Cruise and water sports,” Modi pointed out.
