Kerala Chief Minister launches India’s first solar-powered miniature train at Veli Park

Our Correspondent

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first solar energy-driven Miniature Railway at Veli Tourist Village here, as part of a string of projects totaling Rs.60 crore to elevate the facilities at the panoramic destination to international standards.

The Chief Minister also dedicated the Urban Park and swimming pool at the eco-friendly tourist Village, located on the outskirts of the state capital where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian sea. Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran presided over the function.

“The eco-friendly solar-powered 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Rs 10-crore project is the first of its kind in the country,” the Chief Minister said in his address via videoconference.

“Artificial steam spouted by the engine of the train, modeled after the vintage steam locomotive, will stir nostalgic feelings. The station house is also designed in a traditional style. The surplus energy generated by the system will be routed to the KSEB’s grid”, the Chief Minister said.

A tourist facilitation centre, Convention Centre and Art Cafe are also to be opened at Veli soon. The Convention Centre will have an art gallery, digital display facility to feature major tourism and cultural centres of the state and an open air theatre.These world-class facilities will impart a new look to Veli, he said.
“Giving respect and honour to visitors is key to the success of tourism. It is necessary to keep this in mind all the time”, Shri Vijayan added.

The Tourism Minister said that the Government had allotted around Rs.120 crore for tourism sector in one year alone. Of these, administrative sanction has been given to Rs.60-crore worth of projects for Veli itself. This showed the Government’s determination to transform Veli into one of the most attractive destinations for domestic tourists.

Among the projects for Veli, Rs.20 crore worth of works have been completed, and other schemes are progressing. The Tourist Facilitation Centre will be opened in January, Mr. Surendran said.

The Miniature Rail has all the features of a fully-equipped rail system including a tunnel, station and ticket office. The train, a joy for children especially, has three bogies that can accommodate around 45 persons on board at a time.

The Urban Park entailed a budget of Rs.5crore and the swimming pool Rs.2.5 crore.

V S Sivakumar MLA, Mayor K Sreekumar and M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC, were among those present. Tourism Secretary Rani George welcomed the gathering and P Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Tourism, presented the report. K. Rajkumar, Joint Director, Tourism, proposed a vote of thanks. KTIL CMD K G Mohanlal, Tour Fed Chairman C Ajayakumar, Vettukad Councillor Mary Lilly Rajas offered felicitations.