Science Express-Biodiversity Special (SEBS), an innovative mobile exhibition on a specially designed 16-coach train that aims to create awareness on India’s biodiversity, opened to visitors here on Sunday.

The exhibition, declared open at Tiruchirapalli Railway Junction by Manjula Rangarajan, Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi, aims to take issues such as climate change to people’s doorsteps, particularly students and teachers.

Of the 16 coaches, eight are dedicated to showcasing the biodiversity across different geographical zones of India. The thrust is on explaining the range of biodiversity, endangered species, biodiversity hotspots, threats and challenges, and conservation measures. One coach is entirely dedicated to climate change, sustainable environment, and energy conservation. The Joy of Science Lab, a special coach, provides hands-on training in building practical models in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, to schoolchildren. According to Sudheer Kumar Sharma, Manager, Science Express, ‘Kids zone’, a new addition to SEBS this year, has received good response with over 30,000 registrations so far.

“The exhibition, traversing India since October 2007, is into its sixth phase this year with more than 13 lakh visitors this year alone,” said Mr.Sudheer.

Communicators from the Vikram A.Sarabhai Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad, are present in each coach to explain and interpret the exhibition, answer queries, and conduct complementary activities.

The train has covered more than 96,000 km with 315 halts and 1140 exhibitions . It is the longest, largest, and most visited exhibition in the country and has featured several times in the Limca Book of Records. In the current phase, the express was flagged off from Delhi Safdarjung on April 9 this year and will cover 62 locations till October 28.

Children and parents alike walked through each coach and observed all exhibits and models with interest. Boards with quotes such as ‘Our Life is impossible without biodiversity’ and ‘By the time you complete viewing the exhibition, almost two species will be extinct’ captured the attention of visitors.

In addition, student volunteers from city schools were also seen explaining about the exhibits for those who need inputs in Tamil.

Despite being advised not to bring mobile phones, cameras or any liquid inside, the public were seen openly carrying the forbidden items, due to lack of proper screening. Visitors clicked pictures and shot videos gladly without heeding to the warnings of volunteers.

“I liked the exhibits on the hornbill and the energy-saving house; the different models were very interesting. I’ve learnt to save paper, energy, and fuel. The exhibition would be more fun if real animals were placed inside,” said Lionel.L, a student of class 6 of Kamala Niketan Montessori School.

Lionel’s mother, Ms.Nivedita, said the exhibition was very useful and informative but suggested that the exhibition should be open for more time. “The timings are not apt for kids, especially during weekdays,” she said.

Suseka Raathi, mother of Harshavarthini, a student of Class 6, said that the exhibition was educational and scientific. “When we are students, we were not lucky enough to get such opportunities and facilities. Today’s generation is very lucky in this aspect,” she added.

“We have also planned an outreach activity to be conducted on August 6 at Star Industrial School, Kumbakonam,” said Mr.Sudheer. These activities aim to spread knowledge to those people who cannot visit the exhibition and provide the participating schools with necessary access to the complete package of knowledge and activities of the exhibition.

Stationed on platform No.7, Science Express will be in the city for three more days till August 7 and the public can visit from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The exhibition is open to all and there is no entry fee.