The Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) has opened the railways’ first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium at the KSR Bengaluru station from Thursday. The aim is to provide a memorable experience to passengers and make their waiting time at the station pleasurable.
From rare species of fishes to exotic marine plants, the facility promises to give a visual treat to passengers for a entry fee of just ₹25. Currently, 25 visitors can visit the aquarium at a time in the view of the pandemic.
The 12-feet long aquatic kingdom at the railway station is Indian Railways first paludarium that houses myriad flora and fauna. “Its entrance gives a glimpse into marine life, with a beautiful dolphin humbly greeting visitors with a slight bow and a smile,” a Indian Railways release said.
“It is our endeavour to transform the 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,” the statement said.
The Aquatic Kingdom will have a 3D “selfie” area, where a big fish will pop out of the aquarium. With almost 20 feet of glass periphery, it houses planted, marine and tropical sections with varied flora and fauna in pleasing colours. It is also home to various aquatic animals such as the alligator gar ranging from two to three feet, sting rays, eels up to three-and-a-half feet, sharks, lobsters, snails and shrimps. The aquarium is adorned with natural rocks and splashes of driftwood, artificial coral rocks.
