How India welcomed its first solar energy-driven miniature railway at Veli Tourist Village in Kerala

Chief minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan recently inaugurated India’s first solar energy-driven miniature railway at Veli Tourist Village as part of a string of projects 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. Kadakampally Surendran, minister for tourism in Kerala presided over the function.

“The eco-friendly solar-powered 2.5 km miniature railway will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The project is the first of its kind in the country,” Surendran said in his address. “Artificial steam spouted by the engine of the train, modelled 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,” he added.

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.