The Indian railways is set to take on a new role, to spread awareness of advances in scientific knowledge and research to people across 55 cities of India.
An ambitious project involving some of Germany's premier research institutes, including the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres and the Max Planck Society, and the Indian government, the Science Train will be flagged off jointly by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday.
Part of the focus on science and technology that is the cornerstone of Merkel's first visit to India, the concept of the 'Science Express' aims to spread awareness of and generate popular interest in the phenomenal increases in scientific knowledge and research among the 'educated layman', said Peter Gruss, president of the Max Planck Society.
The 13-carriage train which will chug off from Delhi station and meander its way across 54 cities will feature a 'Science Tunnel', created by Max Planck Society.
Meant to be an 'interactive experience' for students the tunnel goes from the 'tiniest dimension' of science (nano-technology) to the hugest astronomical dimensions, said Sabine Zimmermann of the Max Planck Society.
