Indian Railways gets its first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium
Bengaluru: Indian Railways’ first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium was opened for the general public at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station on July 1, 2021. The aquarium is a joint initiative of Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC), SWR and the HNi Aquatic Kingdom.
The freshwater tunnel is a one of its kind initiatives of the Indian Railways. It houses rare species of fish, exotic marine and tropical plants, and animals. A nominal entry fee of Rs 25 is to be charged from the public, who come to visit the tunnel. Further, the 12-feet long tunnel has a 3D selfie area where a big fish will pop out of the aquarium and an almost 20-feet long glass periphery.
The one-of-its-kind aquatic park is based on the concept of the Amazon River. It aims to enhance the experience of the passengers while also generating revenue for the Indian Railways (IR). Further, it will also provide visual delight to the passengers while waiting for the train.
IRSDC took to its social media account to share the news. It wrote, “IR’s first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station, developed without any expenditure by Railways, will enhance passengers’ experience while generating revenue for Railways. It will be a centre of attraction for commuters.” Keeping the covid protocols in mind, only 25 visitors have been allowed at the aquarium at a time for now.
The Aquatic Kingdom has varied flora and fauna including alligator gar ranging, 3 feet string rays, eels, sharks, lobsters, snails, and shrimps. The aquarium is adorned with natural rocks and splashes of driftwood, artificial coral rocks.
IRSDC, a joint venture company, is at the core of Indian Railways’ mission to transform Indian Railways. “It is our endeavour to transform Indian Railways by redeveloping stations at par with airports, and also enhance passenger delight with our excellent facility management initiatives,” said S K Lohia, Managing Director and CEO of IRSDC.
IRSDC will also undertake facility management at five railway stations namely, KSR Bengaluru, Pune, Anand Vihar, Chandigarh, and Secunderabad. Before the creation of the tunnel aquarium, IRSDC had developed ‘Water from Air’ water vending machine, Fit India Squat Kiosk, Eat Right Station with the highest rating, digital locker, generic medicine shop, mobile charging kiosk, and more. IRSDC will also undertake facility management of 90 more stations in a phased manner.
(PBNS)
