"The mobile science exhibition aboard the train which is a collaborative initiative of department of science and technology and ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) will be stationed from 10am to 5pm till September 5. The sixth phase of the SEBS was inaugurated on April 9 at the Safdarjung Station in Delhi," said Baban Ghatge, senior manager, public relations, Konkan railway corporation.

The first two days of the exhibition witnessed a large number of visitors, most of them being school students and teachers. One of the coaches is dedicated exclusively for a kids' zone which allows children to indulge in fun-filled activities, games and puzzles in science, mathematics and environment.

The young minds were simply fascinated by observing the treasure trove of knowledge on display in the train. The exhibition covered various facets like marine, coastal, forest, microbial, agro-biodiversity and their linkage with human livelihood, besides the challenges of conservation. The students were also educated about the destruction of natural habitats on account of the threats posed to flora and fauna.

Eight of the 16 coaches of the SEBS supported by MoEF are solely dedicated to showcasing the vast biodiversity spread across the bio-geographical zones of India like the trans-Himalaya, Himalayas, Gangetic plain, northeast India, deserts and semi-arid zones, western Ghats, Deccan Peninsula and the islands.

The popular 'Joy of Science' lab, supported by Indus Towers, offers students an opportunity to perform various experiments and activities to understand concepts in biodiversity, climatic change, environment and science in an interesting manner. A discussion centre cum training facility is also available for capacity building of teachers in different aspects of environment and science.

One coach displays exhibits on climate change developed by Swiss embassy and Nestle. Another coach houses an exhibition on energy conservation, supported by Petroleum Conservation Research Association.