Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday inaugurated a first-of-its-kind solar-powered miniature train at Veli Tourist Village.
The 2.5 km long train will be an attraction for children. It has all the features of a fully-equipped rail system such as a tunnel, station and ticket office.
It has three bogies and can carry 45 people at a time. “The eco-friendly solar-powered 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The rupees ten crore project is the first of its kind in the country,” the Chief Minister said.
Stirring nostalgia, artificial steam will be generated from the engine of the eco-friendly train. The surplus solar energy generated will be routed to the Kerala State Electricity Board’s grid, Vijayan said.
Veli, located on the outskirts on the state capital, will have a tourist facilitation centre, urban centre, swimming pool, convention centre and Art Cafe.