'Science Express', a unique train exhibition specially designed to evoke the curiosity of youth in the field of science and technology, was on Tuesday flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a journey of 57 cities across the country.

The special train, a unique version on rails of the famous science tunnel exhibition of Germany [Images], focuses on 12 advanced areas of research in the field of science and technology.

Developed by the Max Planck Society of Germany in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Indian Railways, Germany's Ministry of Education and industrial partners, the train will halt at 57 places over the next six months.

Calling the 'Science Express' symbolic of the cooperation between the two countries in the popularisation of science and its importance in the bilateral relations, Singh said it would build new bridges of understanding and goodwill between India and Germany.

"When the Science Express leaves this station, it will travel the length and breadth of India during the next several months. It will bring the wonders of modern science to remote corners of our country," he said.

The Prime Minister said he was particularly happy that the project was being launched by Merkel, who is herself an accomplished scientist.

"Germany's achievements in the area of science, technology and research and development have made it an economic superpower. As the world moves towards a knowledge economy, German organisation, precision and innovation will help it in maintaining economic leadership," Singh said.

He recalled India's partnership with Germany in setting up the Rourkela Steel Plant and IIT Chennai.
Merkel said she was confident the train would bring the world of science closer to the people of 57 Indian cities.

"The exhibition conveys the enormous spectrum of scientific knowledge and discovery," she said.

"We are deeply convinced that we need all that science to enable all the people to live without poverty, enjoy prosperity and without destroying the planet," Merkel said.

She said Germany was now focusing on 17 innovative fields that were of importance in planning for the future and expressed her country's willingness to share the developments in these areas with India.

Merkel said the two countries could cooperate in areas such as information technology, bio-technology and space science. As part of the train exhibition, a number of activities will be organised, including competitions, lectures and career counselling.

A special coach has been designed to brief youngsters about opportunities available for research in science and engineering in Germany. Another coach has been converted into a `Kids Lab' designed by the German chemicals company BASF, where students can perform chemical experiments.