New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated to the nation several key projects of the Railways in Gujarat through video conference. He also inaugurated the Aquatics and Robotics Gallery, and Nature Park in Gujarat Science City during the event. He also flagged off two new trains i.e Gandhinagar Capital – Varanasi Superfast Express and MEMU service trains between Gandhinagar Capital and Varetha.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the goal of the country today is not only to create a concrete structure but to create an infrastructure which has its own character. He said that children’s learning and creativity should also get space along with their entertainment for their natural development. He added that Science City is a project that combines re-creation and re-creativity. It has such re-creational activities that encourage creativity in children.

The Prime Minister noted that the Aquatics Gallery built in Science City is going to be even more enjoyable. It is one of the top aquariums not only in the country but also in Asia. He said that the sight of marine biodiversity from around the world at one place is a wonderful experience in itself.

The Prime Minister said the interaction with robots in the Robotics Gallery is not only the center of attraction but will also inspire our youth to work in the field of Robotics and will inculcate curiosity in their mind.

The Prime Minister stressed that India’s needs of the 21^st century cannot be met by the modus operandi of the 20^th century. Therefore, there was a need for a fresh reform in the railways. He said that today the results of efforts to develop railways not just as a service but as an asset are visible. He said today major railway stations across the country are being modernised. Even railway stations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are now equipped with Wi-Fi facilities. The unmanned railway crossings on broad gauge have been completely eliminated to enhance safety of the people.

The Prime Minister emphasized on the critical role played by railways in a vast country like India. He said that railways also bring new dimensions of development, new dimensions of facilities. Due to the effort of the last few years, today trains are reaching the capitals of the North East for the first time. “Today Vadnagar has also become a part of this expansion. I have so many memories attached to Vadnagar station. The new station looks really attractive. With the construction of this new broad gauge line, the Vadnagar-Modhera-Patan heritage circuit is now connected with better rail service”, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister remarked that the vehicle of development of New India will move forward only by moving on two tracks simultaneously. One track is of modernity, the other track is for the welfare of the poor, farmers and middle class.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated to the nation several key projects of the Railways in Gujarat through video conference. He also inaugurated the Aquatics and Robotics Gallery, and Nature Park in Gujarat Science City during the event. He also flagged off two new trains i.e Gandhinagar Capital – Varanasi Superfast Express and MEMU service trains between Gandhinagar Capital and Varetha.

Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station

The refurbished Gandhinagar Capital railway station, sports a look of a modern airport. The Railway Station located a few steps away from the Mahatma Mandir Conventional and Exhibition Centre is designed and provided with green building features.  Special care has been taken to make it Divyang friendly station by providing it with special ticket counter , ramps, lifts, dedicated parking spaces.

The Mahatma Mandir Convention Center in Gandhinagar, is becoming the venue of choice for organizing national and international events such as exhibitions, conferences, etc. There was a lack of proper connectivity and accommodation. As a result, Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station has been redeveloped incorporating a 318-room swanky hotel within.  The station also features a 40 seater centralized AC waiting lounge and an art gallery with LED wall display lounge.  There separate entry and exit gates surrounded by landscaped area.

Mehsana –Veretha Line and Vadnagar Railway Station

The Mehsana – Veretha meter gauge line has been converted into electrified broad guage line at a total project cost of Rs. 367 crores (Rs. 293 crores guage conversion and Rs. 74 crores electrification).  The Vadnagar Railway Station which is part of the Vadnagar – Modhera – Patan heritage circuit has been redesigned by Indian Tourism giving it a heritage look with aesthetic stone carvings.

Attractions at Ahmedabad Science City

The Aquatic gallery spread over an area of 15,000 square meter will be the largest aquarium in India.  It has 68 tanks showcasing 188 marine species including Penguins.  A key attraction of the aquatic gallery is a 28 metre long unique walk way tunnel.  Aquatic gallery has been developed in collaboration with Marine Scape Eo-aquarium, New Zealand.

Robotic gallery takes visitors through the history of evaluation of robots from early version of present they humanized and space robots.  Robotics Gallery is an interactive gallery that showcases the pioneers of robotics technology and will provide a platform for visitors to explore the ever-evolving field of robotics. At the entrance is a huge replica of the Transformer robot. The unique attraction of the gallery is the welcoming humanoid robot that communicates with visitors expressing emotions such as joy, surprise and excitement.

Nature Park has many beautiful features like fog garden, chess garden, selfie points, sculpture park and open labyrinth (maze). It includes an interesting labyrinth designed for children.