Bengaluru, Jul 1 : With an aim to provide a memorable experience to passengers and make their waiting time at the station pleasurable, Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd (IRSDC) in collaboration with HNi Aquatic Kingdom has opened Indian Railway’s first movable freshwater tunnel aquarium at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station from Today for general public.

It is a one-of-its-kind aquatic park based on the Amazon River concept. It promises to be a visual treat and a passenger’s delight.
In addition to enhancing the passenger experience, the initiative would be a revenue earner for Indian Railways. A nominal entry fee of Rs 25 has been kept per passenger. This was opened for public today by Mr. Mohd. Ismail and a girl child Samriddhi Jain, first visitors to the aquarium; in the presence of Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru and senior Railway & IRSDC officials.
“IRSDC has always been at the forefront in launching path breaking initiatives. It is our endeavour to transform Indian Railways by re/developing 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. This Aquatic Kingdom will entice passengers & visitors and it will not only be an enjoyable experience but also educative to experience a life size kingdom of fishes here. Even following strict COVID related protocols, up to 25 visitors can visit the aquarium at a time.” said S. K. Lohia, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IRSDC.
The 12-feet long Aquatic Kingdom is Indian Railway’s first Paludarium housing myriad flora and fauna and will be a must visit spot. The entrance of the Aquatic Kingdom gives a glimpse into the marine life, with a beautiful dolphin humbly greeting visitors with a slight bow and a smile. The few salient features of Aquatic Kingdom are – 3D selfie area, where a big fish will pop out of the aquarium. Second, with almost 20 feet of glass periphery, the HNi Aquatic Kingdom also houses planted, marine and tropical sections with varied flora and fauna in pleasing colours. It is also home to various aquatic animals such as alligator gar ranging from 2 ft., 21/2 ft., and 3 ft., sting rays, eels up to 31/2 ft., 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 redefine passenger experience and set a benchmark in development, redevelopment, operation and maintenance of railway stations in India. IRSDC has many firsts to its credit in the 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.(UNI)