Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat on 17 January 2021. These trains will facilitate seamless connectivity to the Statue of Unity.
PM also inaugurated the Dabhoi-Chandod Gauge converted 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.
One of the Kevadiya bound train is originating from Puruchi Thaliaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station.
The new connectivity between Kevadiya and Chennai, Varanasi, Rewa, Dadar and Delhi along with MEMU service between Kevadiya and Pratapnagar and broad gauging of Dabhoi-Chandod and new Line between Chandod- Kevadiya will add to the development of Kevadiya.
The Kevadiya Station has tribal art gallery and viewing gallery from where the Statue of Unity can be glimpsed. The Kevadiya Station is India’s first railway station to start with green building certification. Many routes including Ahmedabad- Kevadiya Janshatabdi will have Vista-Dome Coaches.
This will benefit both the tourists and local Adivasis as this will bring new avenues of employment. The railway line will provide connection to the places of faith like Karnali, Poicha and Garudeshwar on Narmada.
More than 50 lakh people have visited the Statue of Unity after it was dedicated to the nation and it is catching on after staying closed during the Corona months. It is estimated, as the connectivity improves, about one lakh visitors per day are expected in Kevadiya.
Attractions at Kevadiya include the Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar, Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Arogya Van and Jungle Safari and Poshan Park. It also has Glow Garden, Ekta Cruise and water sports.
Moreover, there are new opportunities for local handicrafts items in the Ekta Mall. Around 200 rooms are being developed for Home Stay in the Adivasi villages.