Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday morning flagged off eight trains which will connect Kevadiya in Gujarat where the Statue of Unity is located, with different parts of the country.
“One of the trains flagged off for Kevadia today originates at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station. It is a pleasant coincidence that today is the birth anniversary of MGR. His life was dedicated to the service of the poor,” Modi said during the inauguration ceremony.
In a tribute to Bharat Ratna MGR earlier, Modi said, “he lives in the hearts of several people. Be it the world of films or politics, he was widely respected. During his CM tenures, he initiated numerous efforts towards poverty alleviation and also emphasised on women empowerment”.
“This connectivity will be beneficial for tourists coming to see the Statue of Unity but it will also help in changing the lives of the tribal community of Kevadiya. It will bring new opportunities for job and self-employment,” added Modi.
The flagging off ceremony was conducted via video conferencing at 11 am and attended by Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and high ranking officials of the rail department.
The trains to be flagged off include 09103/04 Kevadiya-Varanasi Mahamana Express (Weekly), 0292
7/28 Dadar-Kevadiya Express (Daily), 09247/48 Ahmedabad-Kevadiya Janshatabdi Express (Daily), 09145/46 Nizamuddin – Kevadia Sampark Kranti Express (Bi-Weekly), 09105/06 Kevadia – Rewa Express (Weekly), 09119/20 Chennai – Kevadia Express (Weekly), 09107/08 Pratapnagar-Kevadia MEMU train (Daily) and 09109/10 Kevadiya-Pratapnagar MEMU train (Daily).
Goyal said the Ahmedabad-Kevadiya Jan Shatabdi Express has a new-age vista-dome tourist coach which will offer a panoramic view of the skyline.
The prime minister also inaugurated Dabhoi-Chandod 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.