The Statue of Unity, a towering tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as a major attraction in Gujarat, India. For travellers arriving by train, Ekta Nagar Railway Station (EKNR), formerly known as Kevadia Railway Station, serves as the primary gateway. This blog details just how accessible the Statue of Unity is from the Ekta Nagar Railway Station.
Ekta Nagar Railway Station: A Tourist-Friendly Hub
Located approximately 5 kilometres from the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar Railway Station was developed to enhance accessibility to this iconic monument. Inaugurated on January 17, 2021, the station not only provides convenient rail connectivity but also boasts modern facilities. The station building spans three levels, with passenger amenities on the first two floors and an art gallery on the third. The station also holds the distinction of being India's first railway station with a Green Building Certificate.
Getting to the Statue of Unity from the Station
Upon arriving at Ekta Nagar Railway Station, visitors have several options to reach the Statue of Unity:
By Road: Taxis and buses are readily available outside the station. A short 10-minute bus or taxi ride will get you to the Statue of Unity.
Other Railway Stations: There are other railway stations in close proximity to the Statue of Unity, these include Rajpipla Railway Station (27 km), Miyagam Karjan Railway Station (63 Km), Vadodara Railway Station (72 Km), Bharuch Railway Station (75 Km), and Ankleshwar Railway Station (78 Km).
Train Services to Ekta Nagar
While direct train services to Ekta Nagar may be limited, the station is connected to various cities via railway lines to Chandod, Moriya, Tilakwada, and Garudeshwar. Furthermore, the conversion of the narrow-gauge railway line between Chandod and Dabhoi to broad gauge has improved connectivity. Many visitors find it convenient to take a train to a major railway station like Vadodara and then take a bus or taxi to the Statue of Unity.
Other Travel Options
Bus: Buses are available from Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity. These buses depart from Geeta Mandir Bus Stand and drop passengers a few meters from the statue.
Flight: The nearest airport to the Statue of Unity is Vadodara Airport. From there, one can take a bus or taxi to reach the monument.
Conclusion
The Ekta Nagar Railway Station provides easy access to the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The station offers seamless connectivity to this monument from various parts of the country, promoting socio-economic development in the region.Whether you opt for a quick taxi or bus ride from the station, or combine your train journey with other modes of transport, the journey to this iconic landmark is now more accessible than ever. The station itself offers a pleasant welcome with its modern amenities and eco-friendly design, setting the stage for a memorable visit to the Statue of Unity.
