Statue of Unity attracting more tourists than even Statue of Liberty: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that the Statue of Unity is attracting more tourists than even Statue of Liberty. More than 50 lakh visitors have come to see the Statue of Unity after it was dedicated to the nation and it is catching on after staying closed during the months affected by the coronavirus, added the PM.

READ | Rail connectivity to Statue of Unity will benefit tourists, create job opportunities: PM Modi

PM Modi said that it is estimated, as the connectivity improves, about one lakh visitors per day are expected in Kevadiya. Kevadiya is a good example of the planned development of economy and ecology while protecting the environment, said the Prime Minister.

The PM also asserted that Kevadiya in Gujarat is no longer just a small block in some remote area, it has come up as one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. PM Modi was speaking after flagging off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat and inaugurating several railways related projects in the state, via video conferencing.

The Prime Minister said that it used to appear like a pipedream when, initially, Kevadiya was proposed as a major tourist destination. Given the old way of working, this scepticism had a logic as there was no connectivity of roads, nor street lighting, rail, tourist accommodation. Now Kevadiya has transformed into a complete family package with all amenities.

Attractions here include grand Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar, vast Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Arogya Van and Jungle Safari and Poshan Park. It also has Glow Garden, Ekta Cruise and water sports.

The Prime Minister said due to increasing tourism, Adivasi youth is getting employment and local people are getting modern amenities. There are new opportunities for local handicrafts items in the Ekta Mall. He also mentioned that about 200 rooms are being developed for Home Stay in the Adivasi villages

The Prime Minister also talked about the Kevadiya Station which has been developed with growing tourism in mind. It has Tribal Art Gallery and Viewing Gallery from where Statue of Unity can be glimpsed.

The Prime Minister dwelled at length on the transformation of Indian Railways through goal-centric effort. He said that apart from the traditional role of passenger and goods transportation, railways is giving direct connectivity to places of tourism and religious importance. He said many routes including Ahmedabad- Kevadiya Janshatabdi will have attractive ‘Vista-Dome Coaches’