Veli village in Kerala ready to promote tourism with mini train

Visiting Veli village in Kerala will soon be a joyride as the tourism authorities are working towards introducing a mini train to promote tourism. According to the latest news reports, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran told the press that the ‘miniature railway’ project has been sanctioned for Veli Tourist Village. The project has modern facilities and will be executed by the State Tourism Department. The mini train will be put on tracks within 18 months, and tourists will be able to enjoy a train ride of 2 km long.
News also has it that the blueprint of the project, which is estimated to be worth INR 9 crore, is ready. The train will be powered by solar energy, thereby, making it first-of-its-kind in India. A model vintage steam engine will be used in the mini train, and it will emit artificial steam to remind the travellers of old-world steam-era trains. In addition, a railway station at Veli will also be especially made. It will be given a traditional look along with a tunnel and a railway bridge on the tracks.
Reportedly, the mini train will have the capacity to accommodate 45 passengers and the ticket price shall be INR 30 per head.

Apparently, the mini train project is meant to promote tourism in Veli tourist village. News also has it that the government will also be funding an eco-park and coastal roads at Veli village. These projects are due for completion within a year.
Veli is a touristy village located 12 km from Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. It offers picnicking opportunities to both adults and children, thanks to the presence of Veli Lake and the Arabian Sea.