RailEnquiry

Balasore, July 2:Science enthusiasts got a scope to satiate their inquisitiveness about the world around them as they boarded the Science Express, an innovative exhibition train, which chugged here today.
The special train with 16 air-conditioned coaches will be stationed in Balasore for three days and visitors will have a chance to explore the country’s bio-diversity between 9am and 5pm.
The state’s science and technology department and the Union ministry of environment and forests have taken up the initiative of this mobile exhibition.
“This is the second edition of the Science Express. While the previous one had spread the word about pure sciences, molecular biology, microbiology and nano technology, this one is carrying information on the diversity across bio-geographical zones of India,” said a volunteer.
The exhibition targets a wide range of audience, including students, teachers and parents. One will get to understand issues related to climate change, energy conservation and wildlife.
A “kid zone” is the biggest draw, providing children a scope to make their own models in science, mathematics and environment.
“The wildlife display was interesting. Apart from the visuals, sound effects made the experience even better,” said Annapurna Panda, a Class IX student.
“This is a great opportunity to know about scientific notions and concepts. The train carries information for all age groups,” said district collector Ranjit Mohanty, who inaugurated the exhibition.
Additional director of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur Binay Das said: “Science has reached the common man through this train. Here, one can learn about many things.”
The special locomotive — an Indo-German joint venture — began its journey on April 9 after being flagged off from Safdarjung station in New Delhi to raise awareness among youths and rekindle interest in science.
The train arrived here from Kharagpur today.
From here it travels to Cuttack where the exhibition will be open to visitors from July 5 to 8.
It will also make pit stops in Balangir (July 9 to 11) and Rayagada (July 12 to 14) before leaving for Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Overall, the train will tour 62 places across the country and end its journey on October 28 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.