New Delhi : Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat jointly flagged off the inaugural run of the new Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) rail service from Jaisalmer station. The train will operate under the name Swarn Nagari Express, reflecting public sentiment and regional pride.
Boost to Connectivity Across Rajasthan
The new service is set to strengthen rail links between the national capital and western Rajasthan. Key cities including Ramdevra, Jodhpur, Makrana, Jaipur, and Alwar will now enjoy improved access to Delhi, making travel more convenient for residents, students, tourists, and businesses.
Officials highlighted that the train will not only ease travel but also enhance access to advanced medical and educational facilities, while supporting tourism and regional economic growth.
Railway Development in Rajasthan
Speaking at the event, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that Indian Railways is achieving new milestones under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that projects worth ₹55,000 crore are currently underway in Rajasthan, including proposals for new lines connecting Anupgarh, Khajuwala, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bhabhar. These expansions will serve both public needs and strategic requirements of the armed forces.
Vaishnaw also pointed out that Rajasthan’s railway budget allocation has risen sharply—from around ₹680 crore before 2014 to nearly ₹10,000 crore today.
Station Upgrades and New Facilities
- Pokaran Station: Once the Ramdevra–Pokaran line via Bhairav Gufa and Kailash Tekri is completed, all trains will halt at Pokaran.
- Jaisalmer Station: Redevelopment has been completed at a cost of ₹140 crore, with a second entry gate and a new coaching depot planned to expand operations.
- Statewide Redevelopment: Work is ongoing at 85 stations across Rajasthan, with an investment of about ₹4,000 crore.
Vaishnaw added that Rajasthan now operates six pairs of Vande Bharat trains, one Amrit Bharat train, and several new services. In the past six months alone, eight new trains have been introduced, including the Swarn Nagari Express. Track renewal between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur has also been prioritized.
Leaders Express Gratitude
Union Minister Shekhawat, along with MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal, former Union Minister Kailash Choudhary, and MLA Chhotu Singh, thanked Vaishnaw for the new service and ongoing railway development in the region.
