In A First For Indian Railways, KSR Railway Station In Bengaluru Gets A Movable Freshwater Tunnel Aquarium

With an aim to provide a memorable experience to passengers and make their waiting time at the station pleasurable, Indian Railways has opened its first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station for the general public.

Based on the Amazon river concept, the one-of-its-kind aquatic park promises to be a visual treat for passengers.

Executed by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) in collaboration with HNi Aquatic Kingdom, the initiative would be a revenue earner for Indian Railways.

In addition to enhancing the passenger experience, a nominal entry fee of Rs 25 has been kept per passenger.

“IRSDC has always been at the forefront in launching path breaking initiatives. 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; wherein even the waiting time will become a pleasurable experience for the passengers and visitors rather than being mundane," IRSDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer SK Lohia said.

The 12-feet long Aquatic Kingdom is Indian Railways first Paludarium housing myriad flora and fauna and will be a must visit spot. The entrance of the Aquatic Kingdom gives a glimpse into marine life, with a beautiful dolphin humbly greeting visitors with a slight bow and a smile.

"This Aquatic Kingdom will entice passengers and visitors and it will not only be an enjoyable experience but also educative to experience a life size kingdom of fish here. Following strict Covid-related protocols, up to 25 visitors can visit the aquarium at a time.” said Lohia.

It is also home to various aquatic animals such as alligator,
sting rays, eels, sharks, lobsters, snails and shrimps.

The aquarium is adorned with natural rocks and splashes of driftwood, artificial coral rocks.

IRSDC has been entrusted with the mandate to undertake facility management at five railway stations namely, KSR Bengaluru, Pune, Anand Vihar, Chandigarh and Secunderabad to enhance customer experience and make travel a safe and hassle-free experience.

IRSDC is committed to redefining passenger experience and setting a benchmark in development, redevelopment, operation and maintenance of railway stations in India.

IRSDC has many firsts to its credit in facility management, including ‘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, a retail store by a startup in Indian Railways and a food truck.

Shortly, IRSDC will be undertaking facility management of 90 more stations in a phased manner.