PM Narendra Modi flags off eight trains to boost connectivity to Statue of Unity; in pics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (January 17, 2021) flagged off 8 new trains from various destinations to Gujarat's Kevadiya via video conferencing. These trains will facilitate connectivity to the Statue of Unity.

Several Chief Ministers of the states and Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Modi said that, perhaps, for the first time in the history of Railways, trains have been flagged off for the same destinations from different corners of the country.

He explained that this is because of the importance of Kevadiya as home to Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar.

Mentioning that one of the Kevadiya bound train is originating from Puruchi Thaliaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station, PM Modi paid tribute to Bharat Ratan MGR on his birth anniversary.  

The Prime minister said that the Statue of Unity is attracting more tourist than even Statue of Liberty.   

"Kevadiya is a good example of the planned development of economy and ecology while protecting the environment," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister dwelled at length on the transformation of Indian Railways through goal-centric effort.

He said that apart from the traditional role of passenger and goods transportation, railways is giving direct connectivity to places of tourism and religious importance. He said many routes including Ahmedabad- Kevadiya Janshatabdi will have attractive ‘Vista-Dome Coaches’.

Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that it is being ensured that railways remains environment -friendly. Kevadiya Station is India’s first railway station to start with green building certification.

He also stressed the importance of 'Atmnirbharta' in railway-related manufacturing and technology which is yielding good results now.

A decorated train halts at Delhi's Nizamuddin Railway Station during the launch of eight trains connecting Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat with different regions of the country.

(PTI photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off eight trains connecting the Statue of Unity at Varanasi station. 

(ANI Photo)

Notably, the foundation stone for the construction of Statue of Unity was laid by PM Modi in October 2013, as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

The gigantic Statue of Unity standing tall at a towering height of 182 meters opened its doors to the public in October 2018 on the occasion of the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.