UK NRI signed "MoU" with the Gujarat governmenproposal for fun railway
around Kevadia

GANDHINAGAR, JANUARY 13, 2005
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

: Despite the state government having dropped' plans for tourism development at the Narmada dam site, an UK-based NRI has shown interest in starting what is being called a lake district train', around the green environs of Kevadia Colony.

Rajen Patel, from Kingsbury in London, has proposed "to develop light rail facilities around Kevadia by laying down a 22-km rail line." The project is proposed be put on rails with the help of two Indian promoters Shreenath Travels and Shivam Travels.

"I have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government to develop world class tourism facilities at the site. This includes hotels, food marts and transportation. The train will be the first step," says Patel.

Stating that 40 per cent of investment for the train — between Rs 7 and 8 crore — would be made by him, a paper submitted to the state government by Patel says, "There will be two to three mini trains with four bogies each, having a seating capacity of 80 persons, and will stop at 12 spots of tourist interest. Along with the light rail system, we also plan to set up an amusement park.We will also manage the parking place with various stalls to cater to the needs of the tourists. We expect the number of tourists to rise in future."

Patel wants the land for 50 years, though the current law only allows lease for 35 years, and entertainment and sales tax exemption. He expects the entire project to be completed in a decade

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