India’s first solar energy-driven miniature train inaugurated at the Veli Tourist Village in Kerala by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The miniature rail has all the features of a fully-equipped rail system, including a tunnel, station and a ticket office. the train has three bogies that can accommodates around 45 people at a time.
Kerala CM also dedicated an ‘Urban Park’ and a swimming pool at the eco-friendly tourist village, located on the outskirts of the state capital where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea.
According to CM’s online address, the eco-friendly solar-powered 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. Artificial steam spouted by the engine of the train, modelled after the vintage steam locomotive, will stir nostalgic feelings. The surplus energy generated by the system will be routed to the Kerala state Electricity Board’s grid.
However, tourist facilation 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. A total of Rs 60 crore taken up to elevate the facilities at the panoramic destination to international standard.
