Science Express chugs into Howrah

The train, Science Express, has 14 coaches put together by officials of Indian and German scientific agencies. The train has microprocessor-controlled interactive modules on various aspects of science — be it contemporary or futuristic scientific developments. The 400-meter-long fully air-conditioned train will remain at platform number-22 of Howrah Station till February 11.

The train, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his German counterpart Angela Merkel on October 30 last year, was scheduled to visit 57 stations in 210 days, travelling 1,500 kilometers across the country.

Its aim is to kindle curiosity and interest in science among students and Indian youth.

Students can get a visual experience of various activities such as ‘Gene to Organism’, ‘Protection of Disease’, ‘'Black holes and Galaxies’, '’Architecture of Brain’ and a ‘'World Of Senses’ and other concepts of science.

About 40 communicators from Vikram Sarabhai Science Communication Center are present round the clock in the 12 coaches illustrating the marvels of science. In the last coach of the train, ‘Kids Labs’, installed by the BAS—a leading chemical company from Germany — children can get a hands-on laboratory experience.

Each coach is named after a research institute of India. The exhibition aims to sensitise students about taking up basic science research in the country.

According to the organisers, the train has witnessed 6,000 to 8,000 visitors a day from various parts of the city.