Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) New Special Rail Service Flagged Off b

Jaisalmer, Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, flagged off the new rail service from Jaisalmer station on Saturday.

On the occasion, the Railway Minister announced that the new rail service would be named Swarn Nagari Express, in accordance with public sentiment.

Shri Vaishnaw stated that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Indian Railways is progressing rapidly and setting new benchmarks every day. He reiterated the government’s commitment to taking the development journey of Indian Railways to greater heights. Highlighting the major progress in Rajasthan, he informed that projects worth approximately ₹55,000 crore are currently underway in the state.

As part of the expansion of railway networks in border regions, proposals for the new line from Anupgarh to Khajuwala, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer up to Bhabhar are in advanced stages. These new lines will not only benefit the general public but will also strengthen strategic military operations.

The Railway Minister said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has ensured substantial budget allocations to the Railways, greatly accelerating development. Before 2014, Rajasthan received an average of only ₹680 crore per year, which has now increased to nearly ₹10,000 crore annually.

He further informed that following the completion of the Ramdevra–Pokaran via Bhairav Gufa, Kailash Tekri new line, all trains will be provided stoppages at Pokaran station. He instructed officials to expedite work on this project. He also announced that the newly launched Jaisalmer–Delhi (Shakur Basti) Express would henceforth be known as Swarn Nagari Express, and declared the construction of a second entry gate at Jaisalmer station.

Shri Vaishnaw instructed that the coaching depot work be completed at the earliest to facilitate the operation of more trains from Jaisalmer. Speaking about the redevelopment of the station, he noted that Jaisalmer station has been revamped at a cost of ₹140 crore, and that a request would soon be made to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for its formal inauguration.

He said that 85 stations in Rajasthan are undergoing redevelopment at an investment of around ₹4,000 crore. With strengthened railway infrastructure in Rajasthan, six pairs of Vande Bharat, one pair of Amrit Bharat and several other trains are now operating. In just the last six months, including this one, eight new trains have commenced operations.
He also directed that the track renewal work on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur line be taken up on priority.

Address by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed gratitude to the Railway Minister and said that the launch of the new rail service between Jaisalmer and Delhi (Shakur Basti) marks a proud moment.
He stated that this new service is not only a transportation facility but a significant step towards the development and prosperity of Jaisalmer. It will provide a strong boost to Jaisalmer’s tourism sector. He also noted that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has gifted numerous railway projects to Rajasthan in recent times.

Other Dignitaries Present

Member of Parliament Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal, former Union Minister Shri Kailash Choudhary, and MLA Shri Chhotu Singh also expressed gratitude to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for the new train service and ongoing railway development works.

Earlier, North Western Railway General Manager Shri Amitabh welcomed all dignitaries with a ceremonial safa (turban).

The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Phalodi MLA Shri Pabba Ram, Pokaran MLA Shri Pratap Puri, other public representatives, and personnel from the Army, BSF and Air Force. School students and office-bearers from various social organizations also participated enthusiastically.

Inspection of Redevelopment Work

After the ceremony, Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected the redevelopment work at Jaisalmer station. They reviewed the Arrival & Departure Plaza, Building Management System, Server Room and Air Concourse, and appreciated the progress.

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